An employee of a window company in Colorado was crushed to death by a falling crate of glass.
Local rescue officials say the employee of Manko Window Systems in Aurora, CO, was helping unload wooden crates of glass at the business when the 4,000-pound load fell on top of him.
The man was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities haven’t released his name.
Manko was cited for OSHA violations once previously.
OSHA’s website shows an inspection at Manko on March 31, 2011, uncovered seven violations: four serious, three other-than-serious. Among the violations were some for safety deficiencies regarding:
- exit routes
- employees training for use of powered industrial trucks
- use of compressed air for cleaning hand and portable powered tools
- personal protective equipment, and
- electrical wiring methods.
The 2011 inspection was the result of a complaint against Manko.
OSHA initially levied $11,050 in fines for the seven violations. Manko reached an informal settlement of the case with OSHA, agreeing to pay $7,735 in fines, a 30% reduction of the original amount.
This recent death is currently under investigation by OSHA. The agency has six months to issue its findings in the case.
A representative of the company had no comment on the death or previous OSHA violations.
A local TV station, 9News, interviewed a former Manko employee who said safety didn’t appear to be a priority at the company if it compromised productivity. The former employee, who didn’t want to be identified, also said there had been another injury at the company in the last year in which a man was injured after glass fell on him.
Manko is a manufacturer of wood windows and doors.
Bureau of Labor Statistics for 2012 show the number of workers fatally injured after being struck by objects or equipment increased by 7% compared to 2011.