Machine shop penalized after 29-year-old killed in industrial accident in Salt Lake City

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) — A machine shop in Salt Lake City has been penalized by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) after a man was fatally injured by a falling piece of metal. On April 16, a 29-year-old man was killed after a piece of metal being hoisted by a crane came loose and fell, crushing and fatally injuring the victim, according to the Salt Lake City Police Department. The industrial accident occurred at Bonneville Machine, located at 1835 W 1500 South in Salt Lake City, and OSHA took over the investigation into the incident and what led to it. According to the OSHA inspection, the incident is classed as an accident, and three violations were found to have been committed by Bonneville Machine. Two were classed as "serious," and the third violation was placed in the "other" category. The first serious violation was based on a rule that states, "Slings used in a basket hitch shall have the loads balanced to prevent slippage," when using a crane and sling to hoist materials. The second serious violation was based on the rule that states, "All employees shall be kept clear of loads about to be lifted and of suspended loads," regarding slings used to hoist materials. The other violation concerned the complete and periodic inspections of cranes for any damage or loose parts. It did not specify what the issue with the crane was. While details are limited because the investigation is still open, the machine company was required to abate (or fix) the out-of-compliance condition by Friday, June 18, and has been issued a $3,500 penalty.