Fines Follow Deadly Fall at Caterpillar Foundry

The companies face nearly $100K in penalties for violating federal rules related to fall protection.

Two central Illinois contractors face nearly $100,000 in combined penalties for violating federal rules related to fall protection.

The investigation stemmed from a fatal accident at construction and mining equipment giant Caterpillar’s foundry in Mapleton, Illinois, late last year.

Lead contractor Illinois Crane and fellow Peoria company Schaefer Electric were working on a bid to move an electrical junction box at the time.

While a journeyman electrician and general foreman were evaluating the project, the 50-year-old electrician fell 24 feet through a floor hole.

OSHA investigators said that Illinois Crane failed to properly protect employees working on elevated surfaces.

Illinois Crane also violated rules related to fall arrest systems, floor hole covers and guardrails.

The company faces more than $87,000 in fines.

Schaefer was also cited for violating hazard evaluation and worker training rules; it faces more than $10,000 in penalties.

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