OSHA Proposes $155K in Fines After New York Silo Death

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has proposed more than $155,000 in fines against a Utica company that employed a 24-year-old worker killed when he was buried in a cottonseed silo.

Craig Bernier died May 11 after sinking into the silo at Harbor Point Mineral Products.

OSHA is citing Harbor Point with 21 violations and proposing fines of $155,200. The federal agency claims Harbor Point lacked proper rescue equipment and training and left employees overexposed to grain dust, among other things.

Harbor Point can contest the violations.

Harbor Point Vice President Kevin J. Crane said in a prepared statement that the company is determining its next steps. He said the company addressed most of the issues OSHA brought to their attention and continues to work with the agency.