Illinois worker crushed to death by unguarded machine
Company failed to implement “most basic of safety precautions”
Hagel Metal Fabrication Inc., has been cited by OSHA for 12 safety and health violations after a 23-year-old worker was fatally crushed Feb. 22 by an automated laser-cutting machine. During the investigation, workers made formal complaints, which prompted two additional OSHA inspections at the East Peoria metal manufacturing plant.
"The company failed to implement the most basic of safety precautions - and the result was a terrible tragedy. This case demonstrates an egregious disregard of worker safety and health," said Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels.