Worker dies in industrial accident in Ft. Atkinson
Steel panels fell on worker while he was moving them
FORT ATKINSON, Wis. — One man died Wednesday in an industrial accident in Fort Atkinson, and officials have shut down the manufacturing facility while an investigation takes place.
The incident happened about 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Spacesaver facility in Fort Atkinson, according to a news release from the company.
Jack Graves, 51, was killed when a load of steel panels fell on him while he was moving the panels using a hand truck.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Jack’s family and with Jack’s team members at Spacesaver. Jack worked at Spacesaver for over four years as a production team member. He was very well-respected and a valued member of our team; he will be greatly missed,” said Spacesaver president Paul Olsen.
Counselors will be at the facility Thursday to help workers. It’s unknown at this point when the facility will reopen.
The victim’s daughter, Courtney Edwardson, described him as a caring, honest person who put others before himself. She said he grew up near Whitewater. She said he enjoyed riding Harleys, watching NASCAR and doing home remodeling.
15949924Kim Stille, Madison-area director for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, confirmed that OSHA investigators are at the Spacesaver facility to investigate, but she said it’s too early to say if any citations will be issued.
Stille said she doesn’t know how long the business will be shut down, because OSHA can’t require a business to shut down during its investigation. She said OSHA has six months from Thursday to issue any citations if it finds them warranted.
