Michigan Company Fined in Death of Window Washer

The state of Michigan has fined a company $21,000 in connection with the death of a window washer who fell 60 feet at the Grand Rapids Art Museum.

The Grand Rapids Press reported that a four-month investigation by the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration found 21-year-old Tyler Cotter’s lifeline was incorrectly tied to a rigging system, which also did not have a bolt properly installed.

The state says the alleged violations of safety procedures led to the fatal fall on June 17. As a result, it fined Cotter’s Grand Rapids-based employer, Award Window Cleaning Services Inc.

President Mark Reinhart says he was reviewing the state’s findings. He says his company’s training is extensive for the high-rise cleaning operation.