Contractor Company Owner Charged in Michigan Workplace Death

A western Michigan man has been charged with a crime in the death of a man who fell through a roof in 2012.

The state attorney general’s office says investigators found many problems with Black River Builders. The state says the victim, Brian Tarachanowicz, was not wearing protective equipment, and no inspections were performed to detect hazards.

Tarachanowicz fell 26 feet while removing a roof deck at a commercial building in Sparta, north of Grand Rapids.

Black River Builders owner Joe Novak of Holland has been charged with a safety violation causing death, a felony. He’s due Wednesday in 63rd District Court.

A message seeking comment was left at Black River Builders.