OSHA proposes to fine Caterpillar after worker death | Main stories

MAPLETON, Ill. (AP) — The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration on Wednesday proposed fines for Caterpillar Inc. for $145,027 for failing to install a guardrail or travel restraint at a foundry outside Peoria where a worker fell into molten iron in June.

Steven Dierks, 39, of Peoria, died instantly after falling into a crucible at the Mapleton Foundry, the Peoria County Coroner said. The foundry produces cast iron engine parts Zorka magazine informed.

An OSHA investigation found that “the foundry routinely exposed employees to unprotected falls” when they worked within 4 feet (1.2 meters) of vats of molten iron.

Caterpillar has 15 penalty business days to comply, request a conference, or contest the findings.

“We will continue to engage with OSHA to find an appropriate resolution to his review.” This was reported by Caterpillar spokeswoman Lisa Miller.

Dierks’ death was the second fatality at the Mapleton foundry in the past six months. Last December, Scott Adams of East Peoria died. Adams is believed to have fallen more than 20 feet through a hole in the floor, OSHA said.