OSHA Issues Safety Violation Following Fatality Near Elgin

From News Parter US92

Investigation into the May death of a crane operator near Elgin has resulted in a safety violation from a federal agency to a North Dakota-based construction company.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration said Wednesday that its investigation into the 40-year-old man’s death determined Wanzek Construction exposed workers to hazards. The agency issued one serious safety violation and proposed $7,000 in penalties.

The crane operator was using a 90-ton rough terrain crane at the site of the Prairie Breeze II Wind Energy farm on May 27 when the crane slipped into a ditch, overturned and crushed him. The worker was not wearing a safety restraint.

Wanzek Construction Vice President Arnold Jelinek says the company’s top priority is the safety of its employees. He says the company is reviewing the citation.