An employee checking asphalt levels from the top of a tank died after falling 15 feet and hitting his head on a concrete structure supporting the tank.

The September 2012 accident at Corvallis, Mont.-based M.R. Asphalt Inc. resulted in 16 safety and health violationsfrom OSHA, including one willful for failing to provide a guardrail or fall protection on the working surface.

"By ignoring fall protection requirements, this employer showed plain indifference and intentional disregard to worker safety," said Jeff Funke, director of OSHA's Billings Area Office.

Thirteen serious violations include failing to provide workers with information and training on hazardous chemicals, provide adequate toilet and hand-washing facilities and protect workers from moving parts, such as horizontal shafts, drive systems, rotating chains and sprocket assemblies. Other violations include exposing workers to electrical hazards and leaving ladders with defects in service.

Two other-than-serious violations were cited for failing to record each work-related fatality, injury or illness case, and notify OSHA within eight hours of an occupational fatality.

Proposed penalties total $54,000.