On July 6, 2022, a 15-year-old worker was killed while installing fencing in Guthrie, Texas.
An OSHA investigation has determined that the employer illegally modified a Cat loader and failed to provide adequate training or personal protective equipment, such as a hard hat, gloves, and safety glasses.
In addition, the company, Sheppard Farm and Ranch Services of Robert Lee, Texas, did not report the fatality within eight hours after it occurred, a violation for which OSHA issued a citation.
“This tragic event cut short a worker's life before they reached adulthood,” said Elizabeth Linda Routh, OSHA area director, in a statement. “This deadly incident might have been prevented had legally required standards—proven methods for protecting workers from serious construction industry hazards—been followed.”
OSHA has proposed penalties of $20,512 for five violations.
Source: OSHA
About the Author
Rod Sutton
Sutton served as the editorial lead of Construction Equipment from 2001 through 2025.