OSHA fines Rice Memorial Hospital ($75,000) over death of employee last November

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.wctrib.com/articles/index.cfm?id=35794§ion=news

West Central Tribune
Published Thursday, April 10, 2008

WILLMAR — Rice Memorial Hospital faces a $75,000 fine for violating safety standards that led to the death of a medical records employee last year.

The Minnesota Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited the city-owned hospital for three violations, each carrying a $25,000 penalty.

Sue Leukam, 51, of Belgrade was severely injured Nov. 23 when she was caught in an automated filing system in the medical records department. She died three days later.

According to an inspection report prepared by the Minnesota OSHA office, the hospital committed three safety violations: failing to meet general requirements for all machines, altering tools and equipment, and failing to provide adequate guarding for the filing system’s start button.

All three violations are classified as serious.

OSHA’s inspection, which has not yet been finalized, did not find that the hospital committed any willful or repeat safety violations.

Rice Hospital is contesting the fines.

Lorry Massa, the hospital’s chief executive, is out of town this week and was not available Wednesday for comment.