State to Investigate Fatal Food Plant Floor Collapse in Indiana

Indiana work-safety officials are investigating the death of a forklift operator at an Indianapolis food plant.

A spokeswoman for the Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration told The Indianapolis Star that the agency will investigate why the concrete floor collapsed beneath the machine, killing 50-year-old Alan Beaty of Hendricks County.

The 8,000-pound lift was carrying containers of vegetable oil when it plunged 14 feet into the basement at Royal Food Products on Mar. 16. Inspectors have closed the plant while the company repairs the damage.

The company could be fined if officials determine it violated safety rules.

Royal Foods President Brian King says that unreinforced section of floor was marked off-limits for heavy machinery and he doesn’t know why Beaty drove the forklift there.

The company makes salad dressing, sauces and other products.

Information from: The Indianapolis Star