Mostly clear skies early then increasing clouds with some scattered thunderstorms late. Low 76F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%..
Mostly clear skies early then increasing clouds with some scattered thunderstorms late. Low 76F. Winds ESE at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 40%.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited a Grand Island waste disposal company for 18 violations related to an employee death that occurred in February.
In a news release issued Thursday, OSHA said the citations against Mid-Nebraska Disposal Inc. stemmed from a Feb. 7 incident in which a 20-year-old employee fell into a baler while trying to remove cardboard that had become jammed in the machine.
The federal agency said the employee, who had been working at the company for nine months, suffered severe amputation injuries and died the next day at a hospital.
OSHA alleged that Mid-Nebraska Disposal, which provides trash, yard waste and recycling pickup services, failed to ensure that energy sources were locked out, which would have kept the machine’s operating parts from moving while the employee cleared the jam, the agency said.
“Employers must follow all safety precautions and train workers to deenergize and lock out a machine before clearing jams or providing service or maintenance to prevent serious or fatal injuries,” Matt Thurlby, OSHA area director in Omaha, said in the release.
OSHA said investigators identified several violations for permit-required confined spaces. Those include the company allegedly failing to develop procedures, train workers, recognize hazards, place attendants outside when an employee enters or ensure emergency services are available.
The agency also cited the company for allegedly exposing workers to slip-and-fall hazards from debris on the floors and for workers having to climb up railings to enter the machine. OSHA said inspectors also found an active rodent and vermin infestation in the facility.
OSHA’s violations include 15 categorized as serious. OSHA categorized two violations as willful and one as other-than-serious.
The agency has proposed penalties of $337,903 against Mid-Nebraska Disposal. The agency also placed the company in its Severe Violator Enforcement Program.
Mid-Nebraska co-owner Scott Woodward told the Omaha World-Herald that the company is still “grieving the loss of our employee.”
“Some violations were issued, and we are in the process of going through those right now. But we are confident that no willful violations were committed,” Woodward said.
OSHA said Mid-Nebraska Disposal has 15 business days from receipt of its 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.
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Andie Trimble (left) and Nicole Polivka wear paint-stained dresses while protesting the recent Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade during an abortion rights rally held in front of the Nebraska State Capitol on Monday.
Dominic Silva (left) lifts up Dertha Williams with help as he pushes her on a tire swing during Lincoln's annual Uncle Sam Jam at Oak Lake Park on Sunday.
Women display signs to passing cars during an abortion rights rally held in front of the Nebraska State Capitol on Monday.
Nebraska state Sen. Julie Slama hugs a campaign volunteer after a press conference hosted by Citizens for Voter ID at the Capitol on Thursday. Citizens for Voter ID submitted petitions to the secretary of state to add a voter ID requirement to the state constitution.
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Cathy Smith (from left), Rick Boucher and Shelly Horton ride horses in Pioneers Park on Monday. The city has approved restoring 1.9 miles of horse trails in the park.
Carpet Land's Owen Laessig's hat flies off his head as he throws to first base to retire a JC Brager batter on June 29, 2022, at Den Hartog Field.
Customers carry out fireworks from Black Dragon Fireworks in Hickman on Friday.
Dana Davenport, Josie Kinsinger and Dee Bronson (from left) set up a phone so they can film a reel for Instagram at Aria Rose Bath Co. on Thursday.
Ozzie Pederson gives her Warmblood horse, named Smokey, a bath in preparation for the Lancaster County Super Fair, at the Lancaster Event Center on Wednesday, July 27, 2022, in Lincoln, NE. KENNETH FERRIERA, Journal Star
Lincoln High's Beni Ngoyi (center) and others, including Adonis Hutchinson (first from right), gather for a photo after Ngoyi announced his commitment to Iowa State on Wednesday at Lincoln High School.
Adam Helmerichs, owner of Diamond Concrete Cutting, organizes tiles removed from the Pershing Center mural Wednesday.
A young Husker fan takes a photo of Memorial Stadium during Nebraska Football Fan Day on Tuesday.
Carpet Land celebrates after defeating Pinnacle Bank in the A-5 American Legion tournament championship Tuesday at Den Hartog Field.
Union Bank's Thomas Neal is shown during an American Legion Area 5 tournament game against Carpet Land on Sunday, July 17, at Den Hartog Field.
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A 1962 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible is auctioned off during the Remlinger Collector Car Auction at Pinnacle Bank Arena.
Ashley Peterson (right) adjusts the mortar board cap for her son, Bryce Peterson, during a graduation ceremony from Future Husker University at Memorial stadium on Friday.
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Former Papillion-La Vista softball player Jordy Bahl, who now plays at Oklahoma, lights the torch during the Cornhusker State Games' Opening Ceremonies on Friday at Seacrest Field.
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Platte county attorney Jose Rodriguez stands outside of the Platte County Courthouse.
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Originally published on omaha.com, part of the TownNews Content Exchange.
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