Ohio security guard Pedro Alvarez was killed by a forklift at the Charles Jones Produce plant where he worked. Alvarez, the night security guard at the tomato processing plant, walked in front of the forklift and was hit when the driver did not see him. Alvarez was pronounced dead at the scene.
The forklift driver says his vision was obscured and he did not see Alvarez walk in front of the forklift because of low lighting and dust in the air. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has begun an investigation into the accident. The investigation is expected to take up to six months, which is typical when there has been a work fatality. The forklift driver has not been charged with a crime.
Local papers have described the accident as “freak,” but forklift accidents are not uncommon. Workplace accidents happen every day due to unsafe working conditions and inadequate safety procedures. The pending OSHA investigation will determine if Charles Jones Produce is responsible for Alvarez’ death.
OSHA’s web-based database indicates Charles Jones Produce has had no previous safety violations and no other investigations are pending.
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