The Andersons Inc., Maumee, Ohio, has been cited by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for violations related to the July 19, 2019, deaths of two employees at the company’s Toledo, Ohio, grain facility.
OSHA has proposed $291,716 in penalties for grain handling and walking and working surfaces violations. According to multiple news reports, the two employees – 29-year-old Josh Stone and 56-year-old James Heilman – became trapped and suffocated after falling into a grain bin while attempting to clear a clogged floor hole of compacted grain.
OSHA reportedly cited The Andersons for two willful and two serious violations for failing to develop an emergency action plan that included procedures for grain rescue and coordination with local rescue services, and for not powering down nor disconnecting grain equipment before employees entered the bin. OSHA also cited the company for failing to prohibit employees from entering grain storage bins on foot with engulfment and avalanche hazards present, and for exposing employees to fall hazards from uncovered floor holes.
“The Andersons has cooperated with OSHA throughout its investigation of this incident and will continue to take steps necessary to assure compliance with OSHA’s safety standards,” the Andersons said in a statement. “We have just received the OSHA citation and cannot comment any further on it at this time. Our team is still deeply shaken by this tragedy as our thoughts and prayers remain with the families of these employees.”