Kansas Grain Bin Operator Contests Citations, $507K in Penalties for Worker Deaths

The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Gavilon Grain LLC – operator of a grain bin based in Wichita, Kansas – after two workers were fatally engulfed in a soybean storage bin.

The company faces proposed penalties of $507,374, and OSHA has placed Gavilon Grain LLC in the Agency’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program.

OSHA cited Gavilon Grain LLC for failing to provide employees with lifelines and fall protection; lockout equipment; provide rescue equipment; and allowing employees to enter a bin in which bridged and/or hung-up grain was present.

The company has contested the citations and will appear before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Source: OSHA