OSHA Penalizes Minnesota Firm $730K Over Diver’s Death
St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News) - A Minnesota company has filed a notice that it intends to appeal a hefty fine issued by the state in connection with a fatal scuba diving incident earlier this year.
The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry through the state OSHA office after a diver working for Your Lake Aquatic Plant Management drowned while performing aquatic weed removal. According to a news release, the investigation found that employees of the Columbia Heights company did not have the experience or training necessary to perform work safely.
It also found that employees were not trained in CPR and first aid, an employee was not designated to be in charge of all aspects of the diving operation, and a standby diver was not available while diving operations were taking place.
"Every person should be able to go to work and come home safely. This was a tragic and preventable loss," said DLI Commissioner Nicole Blissenbach. "It's the responsibility of all employers to follow health and safety laws and keep their employers safe at work."
A Caringbridge website concerning the death of Joe Anderson indicates the fatal incident occurred on the morning of May 21 in Lac Lavon Lake in Apple Valley.
The company has been ordered to pay a more than $730,000 fine for the workplace safety violations.
The news release says it was the second time a Minnesota worker has drowned since 2022 in an incident involving the use of scuba diving equipment all performing aquatic weed removal in a lake.
Historic Minnesota Bank Transformed Into Home Has Now Been Sold
- Walls that are at least 20" thick reinforced concrete
- A lower level featuring high ceilings with additional living space and extra storage
- A large drive-in basement garage with a huge workshop area.
- An on-demand wall-mounted hot water tank inside
- Finishing tuckpointing of the exterior bricks
Gallery Credit: David Drew
