COLORADO'S FALLEN WORKERS

These are a few of the men and women that went to work in Colorado and were fatally injured never going home to their families at the end of their shift. We remember, honor and recognize these men and women for their dedication and hardwork. We would like to sincerely thank the families that shared their loved one's picture and their tragic loss with USMWF.

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This photo was sent by his mother Lori Ballasch.

~ 4/6/1969 - 02/25/2005 ~

​Stephan Ballasch, 35

Stephan was killed on the job in February 2005 while working for Viaero Wireless in Sterling, Colorado. He died after he fell 180 feet from a tower.

Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $115,500.00 penalty for one serious and two willful violations. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced to $125,000.00 for three serious violations. This inspection is closed.

Inspection: 307528489 - Ne Colorado Cellular Inc. dba Viaero Wireless.

Stephan Ballasch (of Yuba City, CA) passed away Stephan Ballasch had been transitioning on an antenna mounting frame when a faulty snap hook on his lanyard failed. OSHA inspected the equipment and identified the safety lanyard as being faulty, stating that "…the employer did not ensure that positioning device systems were inspected prior to each use for wear, damage, and other deterioration, and that defective components were removed from service. Stephan was a loving father, husband, and son, and is terribly missed by his family.

This photo was sent in by his wife Tammara Lockett.

~04/02/1963-07/05/2022~

Kevin Lockett, 59

Kevin was fatally injured in June of 2022 while working for Lockett Refrigeration Llc  in Brighton, Colorado.  At 11:30 a.m. Kevin had accessed the roof of an ice room to restart the ice machine. He had fell through a 4-foot by 4-foot hole in roof. Kevin had fell 15 feet to the concrete floor below incurring multiple blunt force injuries, which killed him.

OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $4,351 penalty for one serious violation. There were no reductions.

Inspection: 1606221.015 - Lockett Refrigeration Llc

Kevin was a hard working man and loving husband and father. His business was his number one priority and his pride and joy. He was the top commercial refrigeration technician in the Brighton area.