Wisconsin Lumber Manufacturer Cited in Worker’s Death

The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration has cited a lumber and shingle manufacturer for safety violations that resulted in the death of a worker at its plant in Superior, Wisc.

OSHA cited White Cedar Shingles & Lumber for nine safety violations and said the fatal accident in May was a “preventable tragedy.” OSHA said White Cedar failed to train workers who cleaned and maintained machinery to affix lockout devices that would prevent the equipment from starting unexpectedly.

OSHA area director Mark Hysell, in Eau Claire, says the company was cited for the same thing in 2012. OSHA has proposed fines totaling about $156,000. White Cedar did not respond to an email and phone call seeking comment.