It’s a common thought among workers who choose not to use their safety gear: It’ll be OK just this one time. This story shows the consequences — this worker is very lucky to be alive today.
Mark Malecha, a manager at Feely’s Elevator in Farmington, MN, was trying to dislodge some frozen corn in a grain silo.
According to the owner of Feely’s, Malecha would normally attach fall protection gear when entering the silo. But on Feb. 4 this year, he didn’t.
Some corn shifted, and Malecha fell 30 feet. He was buried up to his chest in frozen corn.
Luckily, his one arm was free, and he used his cell phone to call for help.
The rescue was time-consuming. Workers lowered plywood into the silo to form a box around Malecha to keep corn from caving in on him.
After rescuers built the box, they removed corn from the silo one bucket at a time.
Eight hours later, a team of an estimated 145 rescue workers freed him.
Surprisingly, Malecha wasn’t injured.
OSHA issued seven citations against Feely’s for a total of $7,750 in fines. Feely’s is contesting the fines.
How do you impress upon workers that they have to wear their PPE every time? Let us know in the Comments Box below.
