Nebraska Cooperative Cited After Worker’s Death

Federal labor officials have cited a Nebraska cooperative on several safety violations following the March death of an employee exposed to anhydrous ammonia.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health said in a news release Wednesday that Midwest Farmers Cooperative violated standards on handling and storing anhydrous ammonia, among other things.

The agency has proposed penalties of more than $62,000. The company has contested the citations and requested a hearing on the matter.

The 63-year-old truck driver was exposed to anhydrous ammonia when a 250-gallon tank ruptured at Midwest Farmers Cooperative in Tecumseh. Three others were injured.

Anhydrous ammonia is used by farmers as fertilizer. The colorless gas can burn the eyes, throat and damage lung tissue at high exposures.