Worker’s crushing death leads to OSHA fines

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued $58,792 in fines against an Illinois manufacturer after a worker was crushed during his first day at the company, the agency said Thursday.

Advanced Mobility by Kentucky Trailers is a Louisville, Kentucky-based manufacturer of custom trailers and specialty vehicles.

The absence of safety pins in two hydraulic leg stands and a failure to use stationary jacks allowed a mobile medical trailer to fall and fatally crush a 58-year-old electrician on his first day on the job at Advanced Mobility’s location in Monee, Illinois, OSHA said in a statement. 

After a July inspection, OSHA cited the company for six serious safety violations.
Advanced Mobility “failed in its responsibility to take all necessary precautions to protect workers on the job,” said Kathy Webb, OSHA's area director in Calumet City, Illinois, in the statement.  

"I can't imagine the incredible loss this man's family and friends felt when his first day on the job ended tragically," Ms. Webb said.

Representatives from Advanced Mobility could not immediately be reached for comment.