OSHA cites 2 contractors in connection with 2021 death at Caterpillar foundry in Mapleton

Andy Kravetz, Journal Star
·2 min read
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The Caterpillar Mapleton Foundry at 8826 US-24 in Mapleton.
The Caterpillar Mapleton Foundry at 8826 US-24 in Mapleton.

nullPEORIA — The federal agency responsible for workplace safety cited two contractors in connection with the death of a man at Caterpillar's Mapleton foundry last December.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration faulted Illinois Crane Inc. and Schaefer Electric, both of Peoria, for safety violations after the death of Scott Adams, of East Peoria, on Dec. 23, 2021.

Adams is believed to have stepped off a ladder before falling 24 feet to his death through a hole in the floor, according to an initial investigation by OSHA. The agency determined employees were not protected from falls as required by law.

Illinois Crane and Adams, an electrician, were evaluating work that was to be done to an electrical junction box as part of a skip hoist construction project when the accident occurred.OSHA cited Illinois Crane for failing to protect employees on walking/working surfaces more than six feet above the lower level from falling through holes. Inspectors found the company did not ensure the use of personal fall arrest systems, adequate floor hole covers or guardrail systems. Illinois Crane faces a fine of $87,016.

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

Schaefer Electric was cited for failing to inspect job sites and evaluate for hazards, and train workers to recognize fall hazards or take appropriate safety precautions to minimize danger. The company faces a fine of $10,151.

Both companies have 15 business days from receipt of citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

In its 2020 Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics found that 24 workers died in Illinois as a result of falls. A total of 135 worker deaths were reported in Illinois in 2020.

OSHA is also investigating the death of Steven Dierkes, 39, of Peoria, who died June 2 after falling into a crucible filled with liquid metal.

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: 2 Peoria contractors faulted in 2021 death at Caterpillar foundry