Federal workplace safety investigation of Mapleton foundry worker's fatal fall into molten iron finds Caterpillar failed to install required fall protection

Just 9 days on the job, 39-year-old employee suffers fatal burns

MAPLETON, IL ‒ On June 2, 2022, a 39-year-old employee of a Mapleton foundry fell and was immediately incinerated in an 11-foot-deep pot of molten iron heated to more than 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. A federal investigation determined that, if required safety guards or fall protection had been installed, the 39-year-old employee's ninth day on the job might not have been their last.

Caterpillar of Irving, Texas – one of the world's largest manufacturers of industrial vehicles and equipment – operates the foundry, which produces cast iron engine components.

Investigators with the U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration determined the foundry routinely exposed employees to unprotected fall hazards as they worked within four feet of deep ceramic containers of super-heated molten iron. The deceased worker, a melting specialist, was removing a sample of iron from a furnace when they fell into the melting pot.

"A worker's life could have been spared if Caterpillar had made sure required safety protections were in place, a fact that only adds to this tragedy," said OSHA Regional Administrator Bill Donovan in Chicago. "Producing more than 150,000 tons each year, Caterpillar's foundry is one of the nation's largest and they should be acutely aware of industry regulations to protect workers using smelters and other dangerous equipment."

Federal safety regulations require employers to install guardrails and restraint systems, or to cover or otherwise eliminate the hazard to protect workers from falls into dangerous equipment.

OSHA cited Caterpillar Inc. for one willful violation and proposed fines of $145,027.

"Caterpillar's failure to meet its legal responsibilities to ensure the safety and health of workers leaves this worker's family, friends and co-workers to grieve needlessly," said OSHA Area Director Christine Zortman in Peoria. "We implore employers to review the agency specific regulations to protect workers from falls into equipment in industrial settings."

Caterpillar Inc. employs more than 800 workers at the foundry, who provide engine components used for construction and mining equipment, off-highway diesel and natural gas engines, industrial gas turbines and diesel-electric locomotives.

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5235701&forum_id=2#45496226)

A 39-year-old worker died after falling into a molten iron vat of 2,600 degrees Fahrenheit molten – leaving half of his body lying on the floor.

Steven Dierkes, of Peoria, Illinois, died instantly after he was presumably working alongside a crucible when he fell in, according to Peoria County Coroner Jamie Harwood.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5235701&forum_id=2#45496248)

workers comp premiums on the other hand are barely visible on the pl statement

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5235701&forum_id=2#45496483)

In December 2021, 50-year-old Scott M. Adams also took a fatal plunge in the factory. It is believed Adams stepped off a ladder before falling through a hole in the floor.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5235701&forum_id=2#45496471)

https://youtu.be/oKadk2--PNY

The hole in the floor was caused by a disappearing block

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5235701&forum_id=2#45497125)

https://youtu.be/301w1PuMIbo

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5235701&forum_id=2#45501248)

pixels with a side scrolling view with real people working in it and occasionally falling into lava

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5235701&forum_id=2#45502429)

I guess "they" is the default now.

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5235701&forum_id=2#45500181)

strangely, though, small business owners are terrified of OSHA. I found this out a long time ago. If you tell them "some plaintiff's lawyer might sue you" the attitude is "He wouldn't dare! bring it on!" but if you tell them OSHA/DOL/IRS might audit them, they crumple like wet cardboard and do what you say

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5235701&forum_id=2#45501219)

of course they went on to use the molten iron

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5235701&forum_id=2#47592921)