Caterpillar Failed To Protect Worker Incinerated In Vat Of Molten Iron: OSHA

MAPLETON, IL — Caterpillar failed to meet its legal obligation to protect a worker who died after falling into a vat of molten iron, federal authorities announced earlier this month.

The employee, previously identified by the Peoria Journal Star as Steven Matthew Dierkes, had been working at the company's Mapleton foundry nine days when he was incinerated June 2 after falling into an 11-foot-deep pot of iron heated to more than 2,000 degrees, according to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

Caterpillar, which employs over 800 people at the foundry, did not install required fall protection, the administration said, adding workers were regularly exposed to unprotected fall hazards.

"Producing more than 150,000 tons each year, Caterpillar's foundry is one of the nation's largest and they should be acutely aware of industry regulations to protect workers using smelters and other dangerous equipment,” Regional Administrator Bill Donovan said in a news release.

The administration cited Caterpillar for one willful violation and proposed about $145,000 in fines. The company has 15 business days to comply, request an informal conference or contest the agency’s findings.

"Caterpillar's failure to meet its legal responsibilities to ensure the safety and health of workers leaves this worker's family, friends and co-workers to grieve needlessly," Area Director Christine Zortman said in the news release.

Dierkes, a melting specialist, was removing an iron sample from a furnace when he fell to his death, according to the administration. The 39-year-old was described in his obituary as “a hard-working teddy bear of a man.” He left behind three daughters, ages 4, 5 and 12.

"The safety of our employees, contractors and visitors is our top priority at all Caterpillar locations around the world," company spokeswoman Lisa Miller told the Journal-Star in a statement, adding that Caterpillar “will continue to engage with OSHA” to resolve the agency’s review of the events surrounding Dierkes’ death.