Feds propose fine after LM Wind Power worker's death

Federal safety regulators propose to fine LM Wind Power's Grand Forks plant $92,000 after investigating the death of a worker in July.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is alleging five violations, including one of willful negligence, according to Eric Brooks, the assistant director for the agency's North and South Dakota operations.

Three other violations are deemed "serious," he said, meaning they could lead to serious injury or death.

Brooks said LM Wind Power has been cooperating with OSHA and problems that led to the accident have been or are being addressed.

The company now has 15 business days, meaning about three weeks, to respond, which may include accepting the allegations, contesting them or seeking a conference with OSHA. Such conferences can result in reduced penalties or violations rescinded, among other things.

The investigation came after Joseph Francis Schaff, 42, East Grand Forks, was pinned between two pieces of heavy machinery and, subsequently, died of his injuries. LM is a Denmark-based maker of wind turbine blades with a plant in the Grand Forks Industrial Park.

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