OSHA: Caterpillar failed to prevent Peoria worker's fatal fall into crucible in Mapleton, IL

MAPLETON − A federal investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration concluded that Caterpillar failed to install necessary safety measures at the Mapleton foundry where a worker suffered a fatal fall into molten iron in June.

Steven Dierkes, a 39-year-old Peoria resident, died instantly after falling into a crucible, the Peoria County coroner said. The foundry manufactures cast iron engine components for the construction equipment manufacturer.

The OSHA investigation, the results of which were announced in a Wednesday news release, found that "the foundry routinely exposed employees to unprotected fall hazards as they worked within four feet of deep ceramic containers of super-heated molten iron."

OSHA issued Caterpillar a citation for willful violation of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, alleging that the company failed to install a legally required guardrail system or travel restraint that would have saved Dierkes' life. OSHA has proposed fines of $145,027.

“Caterpillar’s failure to meet its legal responsibilities to ensure the safety and health of workers leaves this worker’s family, friends and co-workers to grieve needlessly,” OSHA Area Director Christine Zortman said.

Related:Peoria man identified as the person who died at Caterpillar foundry in Mapleton

Caterpillar now has 15 business days to either comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

"The safety of our employees, contractors and visitors is our top priority at all Caterpillar locations around the world," Caterpillar spokeswoman Lisa Miller wrote in a statement to the Journal Star. "Regarding the serious safety incident that occurred, we will continue to engage with OSHA to seek an appropriate resolution to its review."

Dierkes' death was the second to occur at the Mapleton foundry in less than a year. In December 2021, East Peoria resident Scott Adams fell to his death at the facility. Adams is believed to have fallen over 20 feet through a hole in the floor, suffering fatal injuries, according to an OSHA investigation.

In June, OSHA issued citations to two contractors involved with the site and proposed fines of $10,151, alleging that workers at the foundry were not adequately protected from falls as required by safety regulations.

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Caterpillar Peoria IL failed to prevent Mapleton, Illinois deadly fall