Grain Company Draws $120,700 in Fines After Worker Suffocates

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued 10 citations with fines totaling $120,700 to Farmers Union Coop Supply Co. of Stanton for alleged violations after a worker suffocated from lack of oxygen in the “boot pit” of a concrete grain elevator June 19.Charles Adkins, OSHA regional administrator in Kansas City, Mo., said the company “willfully allowed its employees to work in a dangerous environment.”"This tragedy could have been prevented by evaluating permit-required confined space conditions prior to entry," Adkins said.Farmers Union Coop Supply rec...