USMWF

Tributes S

Michael Samuelson, 39

Michael was killed in November 2013 while working for Pangere Corporation at ArcelorMittal Indiana Harbor West steel mill (No. 3 steel formerly the LTV Steel Co.) in Valparaiso, Indiana. He died when he was struck by fallen debris.

IOSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $3,500.00 penalty for one serious violation. The case is still open.

Inspection: 317063949 - Pangere Corporation

This photo was sent in by his widow Stephanie. ~ He was a great husband, father, and friend. Yesterday was his 40th birthday so it is really difficult for me to write this right now. Thank you for taking the time to think of us.

~ 11/13/2013 - 12/2/2013 ~

Gail Sandidge, 57

Gail was killed in November 2013 while working for Good Shepherd Ambulatory Surgical Center in Longview, Texas. She was stabbed by a visitor while performing her regular duties as a nurse. Harris Teal, a hospital visitor, was also murdered during the attack, and three others were injured.

This is not in OSHA's jurisdiction.*The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration estimates that two million American workers experience workplace violence annually, with health care and social services workers at particularly high risk. The U.S. Department of Justice reports that nearly 500,000 nurses are victims of violence in the hospital each year, most of them working in Emergency Departments.

This photo was sent in by her daughter Kacy Sandidge Ellis.

----She was devoted to her family, taking diligent care of her husband, children, and grandchildren. She remembered fondly and greatly missed. To see more about Gail.

~ 03/25/1956 – 11/26/2013 ~

Sheri Sangji, 23

Sheri was killed in January 2009 while working for University of California Los Angeles in Los Angeles, California. She died in an explosion caused by the reactive compound t-butyl-lithium.

CAL-OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $31,875.00 penalty for three serious violation and one other than serious violation.

This photo was sent in by her best friend Zahra Khan.

----To view full memorial click here. For USMWF/NIOSH Face to Face connection click here.

~ 11/2/1985 - 1/16/2009 ~

Gus A. Santamaria, 29

Gus was killed in August 2014 while working for Blue Springs automotive (Highline Autosport) shop Blue Springs, MO. He died when a four-post vehicle lift tipped over and fell on him.

MO OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $19,600.00 penalties for seven serious violations. In an informal settlement the penalties and citations were not reduced. was reduced to $5,150.00 for two other than serious violations. Case Status: PENALTIES REFERRED TO DEBT COLLECTION Inspection: 925114.015 - Highline Autosport.

 This photo was sent in by his sister Natalie Parsons.

----This is a picture of my amazing brother, it has been over a year since he has passed, my heart is still and probably will always remain broken, he was my best friend.

~ 4/23/1984 - 8/5/2013 ~

Austin J. Sawicki, 26   

Austin was killed in 2008 while working at Whillock Construction in Chula Vista, California. He died after being struck by a steel beam.

CAL-OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $13,950.00 penalty for one serious violation and one other than serious violation. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced to $5,150.00 for two other than serious violations.

Inspection: 310816962 - Whillock Contracting Inc

This photo was sent in by his mother Mary Aloi.

----Austin J. Sawicki, 26 was Killed when a steel beam was dropped on him while working for Whillock Construction. We were waiting for him to come to the hospital as his sister was giving birth to his nephew Wesley Austin Zimmer. He is missed so much. We will miss you forever and for always. )He was a part-time seasonal day-laborer).

~3/24/1982 - 5/29/2008 ~

Korey Schall, 23

Korey was killed in 2009 while working at Crane and Grain Services in York, Nebraska. He died assembling a grain bin when his ladder touched an improperly wired cord.

Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $9,300.00 penalty for and six serious violations. In and informal settlement the penalty was reduced to $5,000.00 for three serious violations.

Inspection: 311467922 - Crane And Grain Service

This photo was sent in by his brother Brian Schall.

~ 4/24/1986 - 8/21/2009 ~

Russel James Scharenbroch, 34

Russel was killed in June 2014 while working at Grand Rapids Plastics, Inc in Morley, Michigan. He died cleaning an injection molding machine when he got caught inside and was killed.

MIOSHA OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $220,000.00 penalty for and two serious and three willful violations. The company is contesting the violations.

Inspection: 312031032.

This photo was sent in by his widow Angel to see more about Angel.

~ 6/27/2014 ~

Jason Schneider, 36

Jason was killed on the job in August 2013 while working for the Baltimore County Police Department in Catonsville, Maryland. He was shot while attempting to serve a search warrant for a 16 year old suspect and was shot by a 25-year-old shooting suspect.

This is not in OSHA's Jurisdiction.

This photo was sent in by his widow Ericka Schneider.

----He was shot and killed in the line of duty. (Feb 11, 1977- Aug 28th, 2013). He is survived by his wife, Ericka Schneider and 2 children Kayla Sealover and Brandon Schneider. Jason was an amazing father, husband, son and brother. Jason was an honorable and affectionate man who will be remembered and never forgotten. Jason was a dedicated police officer and marine who loved and cared for everyone. Schneider served 13 years in local law enforcement and 10 years in the special tactical unit of the Baltimore County Police department and served with the U.S Marine Corps.

~ 2/11/1977 - 8/28/2013 ~

Joel Ethan Schorr, 38

Joel was killed in August 2010 while working for Barrick Gold of North America, Gold Strike Mine. He died when struck by a pipe that gave way in a ventilation shaft because it was clogged with excessive waste rock material. Daniel Noel, 47 died in this same incident.

MSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $70,000.00 penalty for one citation.

Fatality #13 and #14 - August 12, 2010 Falling Material - Nevada - Gold Ore Barrick Goldstrike Mines Inc. - Meikle Mine.

This photo was sent in by his widow Angie Schorr.

~ 2/25/1972 - 8/12/10 ~

Kyl Scieszinski, 28

Kyl was killed on the job in March 2006 while working for Interstate Tower Inc. (Howarden, Iowa) in Gladstone, Kansas. He was killed after he fell 150 feet from a tower.

IOSH investigated the incident and proposed a $0.00 penalties and 0 violations. The case is closed.

Inspection: 309704013 - Interstate Tower Inc.

This photo was sent in by his mother Jacque King

----Kyl Scieszinski of Knoxville, TN died this afternoon passed away after he fell 150 feet from a communication tower in Gladstone, KS. Kyl fell approximately 150' while working for Interstate Tower Inc. of Hawarden, Iowa. He learned many valuable trades but Kyl loved cell tower working. After the Navy he started working for US cellular and from there he worked many different cell tower companies.

 ~10/2/1977 ~ 3/14/2006 ~

Doug Seaney, 37

Doug was killed in March 2010 while working for Herrmann Grain Farms in Hinckley, Illinois. He died when he suffocation in a grain bin.

OSHA dropped the inspection due to too few employee's making this a family farm.

Inspection: 314033903 - Kevin Herrmann Dba Herrmann Farms A Joint Venture

 This photo was sent in by his widow Jacki Seaney.

~ 4/28/1972 - 3/12/2010 ~

Scott Shaw, 38

Scott was killed in October 2002 while working for Weeks Marine contracted with Armco in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He was killed when he fell in the Schuykill River.

Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $4,950.00 penalty. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced to $0.00.

This photo was sent in by his widow Holly Shaw-Hollis.



~ 7/13/1964 - 10/7/2002 ~

Traci Menard Sheibal, 37

Traci was killed in February 2012 in Council Bluff, Iowa. She was killed from asphyxiation when she was overcome by the vapors from a paint stripper containing methylene chloride while preparing a bathtub to be refinished.

This photo was sent in by her mother Cindy Menard.



~ 12/19/1974 - 2/9/2012 ~

J.P. Shelley, 42

J.P. was killed in October 2013 in Memphis, Tennessee. He was shot and robbed by 3 juvenile gang members working as a self-employed contractor at a residential property.

This photo was sent in by his widow Beverly Shelley. ~ He also leaves behind our children Palmer 7 & Emme 5




~ 6/28/1971 - 10/4/2013 ~

 

Bob Shonkwiler

Bob was killed in May 2003 while working for Hoosier Energy in Sullivan, Indiana. He was killed when he was crushed in a conveyor belt.

Indiana OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $15,375.00 penalty for six serious violations. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced to $6,465.00 for 4 serious violations.

Inspection: 306153206 - Hoosier Energy Rural Electric Cooperative

This photo was sent in by his widow Betsy Shonkwiler.

---- To see more about Bob.

~ 5/7/2003 ~

Yvonne Von Shruelds, 58

Yvonne was killed in August 2008 while working at DTR Industries in Bluffton, Ohio. She was when found unresponsive.

OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $14,200.00 penalty for seven serious violations. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced to $7,100.00 for two serious violations and four other than serious violations.

 Inspection: 311602361 - Dtr Industries Inc.

The photo was sent in by her daughter Wendy ----Our mother, Yvonne Shurelds, 58, was killed on March 8, 2008 while working at DTR Industries in Bluffton, Ohio. She was operating a lift truck, a task that was not part of her regular job duties. She was not certified or properly trained to operate it. There were no witnesses to tell us exactly what happened, but the coroner's report listed her cause of death as internal decapitation. To view full tribute click here.

~ 12/25/1949 - 3/8/2008 ~

Michael Joseph Simermeyer, 31

Michael was killed in April 2012 while working at Yonkers Contracting (MTA No. 7 train extension project) in Manhattan, New York. He was crushed when a tower crane collapsed and crushed him.

Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $68,000.00 penalty for seventeen serious violations. In an informal settlement the penalty was not reduced but the citations were reduced to ten.

Inspection: 330046.015 - Yonkers Contracting Company, Inc.

Photo sent in by his mother Colleen Simermeyer

----My Son- Michael Joseph Simermeyer age 30 - Born January 10 1982- lost his life on April 3 2012 when a crane collapsed at 7:20 pm at 34th street NYC while working on the number 7 line train extension. Michael was know as a man with a good heart who gave hugs to anyone in need of some comfort. He always lit up a room with his bright smile and sense of humor. He loved children and was planning on getting serious now that he turned 30 and finding a nice girl and starting a family. The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration cited Yonkers Contracting Co. with 10 violations and fined $68,000 for violations. OSHA also cited his employer, subcontractor J&E Industries, with one violation related to the accident. The company also was cited with violations related to ensuring proper training of crane riggers, permitting a worker inside the crane’s fall zone and failing to conduct required annual functional testing of the hoist. “Fundamental, vital and required safety practices were not followed in this case, resulting in the most extreme consequence: the loss of a worker’s life,” Kay Gee, OSHA’s area director in Manhattan, said in a statement. “Had the proper procedures been followed, this incident and this worker’s death could have been prevented.” As of May 9th 2013 there is still no resolution to this case with OSHA. I get monthly updates from OSHA from the NYC office. We have started a Face Book page in Memory of Michael Joseph Simermeyer, 2 softball teams & a marathon runner runs with my sons name. We don't want anyone to forget just who Michael was, and that this beautiful life was taken in a senseless construction accident. To see more about Michael

~ 1/10/1982 - 4/3/2012 ~

Mike Simonetti, 61

Mike was killed on the job in July 2014 while working for Design Landscaping Management in Winter Springs, Florida. He died three days after the riding lawnmower he was driving flipped over in a pond and he became unconscious.

Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $14,700. 00 penalty for four serious and one other than serious violations. The company is contesting the fines and penalties. Inspection: 984845.015 - Design Landscaping Management, Inc.

This photo was sent in by his daughter Kelli Tuttobene.

----My father lost his life at work on July 6, 2014 when the Riding mower he was on overturned into a pond. We don't know exactly what happened, (if he was pinned, if he passed out), but he suffered irreversible brain damage as a result of the drowning. The accident took place on July 3, 2014 and we removed him from Life Support on July 6, 2014.

~ 4/25/1954 - 7/6/20114 ~

Trevor James Skarphol, 30

Trevor was killed on the job in November 2012 while working for Scott's Electric, Inc. in West Fargo, North Dakota. Trevor was crushed when a steel beam fell 28 feet crushing him.

Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed no penalties or violations. The case is closed.

Inspection: 446957.015 - Scott's Electric, Inc.

This photo sent in by his widow Angie

----Trevor James Skarphol was born on June 30 1981 and passed away on May 25 2012 when a 28ft steel beam fell on top of him while he was on the construction site for an addition on to a high school. He was a journeyman electrician employed by Scott's Electric.

~ 6/30/1981 - 5/25/2012 ~

Kelly R. Skiles, 53

Kelly was killed when he was struck by a piece of equipment while working for ComEd as a lineman in Crystal Lake, IL.

This photo was sent in by his widow Linda Skiles

 ----A 29 year ComEd lineman died Tuesday, March 29, 2011 after a piece of equipment fell and struck him on the head. ComEd was replacing utility poles at the intersection of Crystal Lake Avenue and East Street in Crystal Lake, IL when the accident occurred. Skiles was a member of the Fond Du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Tribe, Local 15 IBEW, and Fox River Men's Pool League. He enjoyed all of his toys and loved fast cars, especially his Corvette. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews and enjoyed shooting billiards. Skiles leaves behind his wife, Linda of 35 years, three sons, Kelly Gene(Trisha), Timothy, and Michael, three grandchildren, Keegan, Karsen and Katelyn. He is further survived by his siblings, in-laws, nieces and nephews. Kelly lived in Lyons, WI View the sculpture, which was initiated by his fellow lineman in Crystal Lake and sculpted by Erik Blome of Crystal Lake. The sculpture represents and is in memory of Kelly killed March 29, 2011 and his best friend Timothy Miller who was electrocuted in 2000 while working on the job.

Barry Sloan, 37

Barry was killed on the job in July 2010 while working for McCord Communications in Gadsden, Alabama. He died when a tower collapsed after a bucket truck struck a supporting wire.

Federal OSHA investigated the incident Mccord Communication Service, Inc and proposed no fines or penalties. The Case is closed.

Federal OSHA investigated the incident Barnhart Crane And Rigging, Inc. and proposed a $7000 penalty for one serious violation. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced to $3,500.00. The case is closed.

Inspection: 314557000 - Mccord Communication Service, Inc (3rd party Barnhart Crane and Rigging Co., Inc.)
Inspection: 314557018 - Barnhart Crane And Rigging, Inc.

This photo was sent in by his widow Alison Sloan

~ 10/6/1973 - 7/22/2010 ~

Chelsea Ann Small, 30

Chelsea was killed on the job in November 2013 while working for Advance America Cash Advance in Taylor, Michigan. She was shot after hitting a silent alarm. This is not in OSHA's jurisdiction. This photo was sent in by her mother Debi Kamin.

---- This is my beautiful daughter Chelsea Ann Small. She was working for Advance America Cash Advance. On November 12 around noon she buzzed in an older man who announced a robbery. She hit the silent alarm and he proceeded to shoot her in the head and killing her immediately. She was working alone. He is still on the loose. My beautiful daughter had just turned 30 in august. She was a fabulous single Mother of Josalynn 8 & Logan who had just celebrated his 5th birthday four days prior. She was also a full time student with a gpa of 3.899. My daughter loved family and wanted to be able to provide better for her children so she carried a full load. I am so very proud of the beautiful woman she had become.

~ 8/9/1983 - 11/12/2013 ~

Billy Guy Smith, 34

Billy was killed in September 2012 while working for Wynnewood Refining Company (CVR Energy Inc.-owned plant) in Wynnewood, Oklahoma. He was died when a boiler exploded. Russell Mann died in this same incident.

Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $234,500.00 penalty for eleven serious violations, five repeat violations and one other than serious violation. In an informal settlement the penalty was not reduced but the citations were reduced to seven serious violation, five repeat violations and one other than serious violation.

Inspection: 663538.015 - Wynnewood Refining Company, Llc

This photo was sent in by his widow Kari Smith.

---- Kari Smith CVR was fined by OSHA a total of $281,100 as a result of their investigation into my husband's death. $234,500 was fined as result directly related to the Wickes Boiler. As part of their investigation into the explosion there were 11 serious violations, 5 repeat violations from 5 YEARS AGO, and 1 other-than-serious. $46,600 was fined during an overall investigation of the refinery. There were 11 serious violations, 1 repeat from 5 YEARS AGO, and 1 other-than-serous. Originally CVR was going to pay all the fines, but they wanted all of the serious violations changed to other-than-serious. When they were notified of possible legal actions, they are now appealing ALL of the violations. If the repeat violations were taken care of prior to the explosion, there is a big possibility Billy and the other gentlemen killed would still be here today. — with Kari Smith, Steven Collier, Steve Badgley and Billy Smith in Wynnewood, OK.

To view Fox news article click here

~ 7/6/1978 -11/12/2011 ~

Donald Wilcher Smith, 23

Chelsea was killed on the job in November 2013 while working for Advance America Cash Advance in Taylor, Michigan. She was shot after hitting a silent alarm. Donald was killed in March 2005 while working for Sanderson Farms in Bryan, Texas. He died when he was electrocuted.

Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $31,000.00 penalty for seven serious violations. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced to $5,000.00 for one serious violation.

Inspection: 307951350 - Sanderson Farms Inc, Processing Division

This photo was sent in by his father Coit Smith.

---- Mourning father's calling is making workplaces safe. Son electrocuted one year ago at Sanderson Farms. Donald Coit Smith says he has been on a mission to toughen workplace safety laws since the electrocution death of his son, Donald Wilcher Smith, one year ago. By Craig Kapitan Eagle Staff Writer The Bryan-College Station Eagle.

~ 5/27/1982 - 3/26/2005 ~

Erin Sperrey, 20

Erin was killed while working for Tim Horton's in Caribou, Maine.
She was beaten by a disgruntled employee.

Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $4,500.00 penalty for one other than serious violation. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced to $2,700.00 for one other than serious violation.

Inspection: 308178268 - Tim Hortons

This photo was sent in by her friend. To view full tribute click here.

~ 7/11/1985 -1/2/2005 ~

Michael Steele, 15

Michael was killed on the job in July 2013 while working for John Cragen (Family Farm) in Frankford, Missouri. He died after he fell off the tractor he was driving and was ran over.

This is not in OSHA's jurisdiction.

This photo was sent in by his mother Dena Steele

---- He was a very hard worker for a 15 y/o. Besides hauling hay, he also worked all winter cutting and splitting firewood to sell and he had 3 gardens of produce he had planted to sell to make money for the truck he wanted. Never got the chance to sell it though. He had a great sense of humor and I've never heard anyone say a bad thing about him or knew of anyone who didn't like him. He had also been dating the same girl since they were 13 but sadly never made it to their 2 year anniversary on August 2. To see more about Michael. - To see article.

~ 3/26/98 - 7/1/2013 ~

Dennis (Louie) Stenner, 58 

Dennis was killed in July 2006 while working for Village of Muscoda Public Works.

This photo was sent in by his widow Connie Stenner.





~ 3/20/1948 - 7/28/2006 ~

Anthony (Tony) Stevenson, 54

Tony was killed in August 2011 while working for Clay Mohon Mowing in Hopkinsville, Kentucky. He was killed in a bush hog incident.

Kentucky OSH investigated the incident and proposed a $2,800.00 penalty for one serious violation. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced to $2,400.00 for one serious violation.

Inspection: 315549600 - Clay Mohon Mowing, Llc.

This photo was sent in by his widow Cassie Stevenson.

~ 3/5/1957 - 8/5/2011 ~

Michael Brad Stevenson, 36

Michael was killed on the job in November 2012 while working for the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) in Rodanthe, North Carolina. Michael was killed after his dump truck collided and caught fire with a stalled dump truck sitting along the side of the road.

No OSHA data 12/13/2013

This photo was sent in by his widow Michelle.

----- Well Brad loved his job. He worked for NC Department of Transportation for about 16 years as a heavy equipment operator. The accident happened in Rodanthe, NC on Hwy 12. The crews were working on removing sand off the highway from Hurricane Sandy and a nor'easter. The accident happened around 1am when "Brad" was driving a dump truck loaded with sand. There was a broken down dump truck sitting on the highway with no working lights "Brad" rear-ended it. Brad lived in Hertford NC. He was married and has three young children. Michelle says they were also coming up on their sixteenth wedding anniversary. "It's just a big empty hole in my soul," she said. "He was my soul mate. He was my life." To view article click here.

~ 12/16/1975 - 11/11/2012 ~

Donald G. Stodola, 67

Donald was killed on the job in June 2009 while working for Farmers Cooperative Elevator in Stanton, NE. Stodola was working in a confined space without the proper ventilation and lack of oxygen in the space caused Stodola’s death.

Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $507,000.00 penalty for nine serious violations and $70,000.00 one willful violation. In addition to the OSHA fine, the company pled guilty to violation of a criminal statute and was fined $100,000 and placed on probation for 2 years. The penalties and citations were not ruduced.

Inspection: 311467351 - Farmers Union Coop Supply Company Of Stanton

This photo was sent in by his daughter Linda Hadcock.

~ 8/26/1941 - 6/19/2009 ~

Jay Summers, 53 

Jay Summers, 53 was killed in July 2013 while working for Fairfield Contractors at the Perdue University Campus in Lafayette, Indiana. He was run over by a truck his supervisor was driving.

IOSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $11,000.00 penalty for six serious violations. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced to $7,200.00 for three serious violations and two other than serious violation.

Inspection: 317025112 - Fairfield Contractors

This photo was sent in by his widow Dawn Summers.

----To see more about Jay

~ 12/9/1959- 7/19/2013 ~

Steven Michael Swain, 27

Steven was killed in December 2010 while working for AL Solutions in New Cumberland, West Virginia. He died in an explosion.

Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $154,000.00 penalty for sixteen serious violations, one willful violation and one other than serious violation. In and informal settlement the Penalty was not reduced but the citations were reduced to 12 serious violations, one willful violation and one other than serious violation.

Inspection: 313378242 - Al Solutions, Inc. This photo was sent in by his Mother, Cathy Majoris.

---The explosion, happened on Dec 9th actually threw him out of the building, but because they were not wearing fire resistant uniforms (which OSHA had already fined them for from a previous death) and the uniforms they were wearing were not chemically cleaned to remove all the zirconium and titanium fines from them it took approximately 5 minutes to put Steve out. He was life lighted to UPMC Mercy Burn Unit were he passed away on Dec 13th.

~ 4/18/1983 - 12/13/2010 ~