OSHA fines shipyard $5,000 for worker's death

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.dailypress.com/business/dp-biz_death_0409apr09,0,2536344.story

By PETER FROST

The 19-year-old shipyard worker who fell from the USS Carl Vinson aircraft carrier to his death Feb. 13 wasn't wearing a required safety harness that could have prevented his fall, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has ruled.

The agency charged Northrop Grumman Corp.'s Newport News shipyard with a "serious" violation of federal safety standards and fined the shipyard $5,000 for not providing the employee with the equipment, OSHA spokeswoman Alisha Brown said.

Kevin Batten, a Newport News resident who worked at the yard for about six months, fell about 40 feet into the James River while working on the ship's ventilation system. A dive team found his body in the river 18 hours later.

Brown said the shipyard paid the fine April 4, and has since taken "appropriate corrective action" by requiring all employees working in the exterior ventilation compartment to wear a protective safety harness and lanyard to prevent falls.

The $5,000 fine, Brown said, "was appropriate based on the type of violation."

Northrop Grumman did not dispute the fine, said spokeswoman Jennifer Dellapenta.

"Providing a safe work environment for our employees is our responsibility and something we take very seriously," Dellapenta said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with Mr. Batten's family and friends, and we are extremely sorry for their loss."

[benld74]

1. His funeral expenses will be MORE than the FINE!