NORTH DAKOTA'S FALLEN WORKERS

These are a few of the men and women that went to work in North Dakota 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.

---

The photo was sent in by Kevin’s wife, Tamara Anderson.

~3/16/1961-7/3/2019~

Kevin John Anderson, 58

Kevin was fatally injured on July 3, 2019 while working for Columbia Grain International, LLC in Arvilla, North Dakota.  Mr. Anderson was cleaning out a 500,000 bushel grain bin, with 8-12 feet of corn left in the bin, when he became entrapped and suffocated. At the time of the accident, the company lacked proper safety processes, procedures, safety equipment and rescue equipment.

North Dakota OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $191,322.00 penalty for 5 serious, 1 willful and 2 other violations. In an informal settlement, the penalty was reduced to $128,024.00 for 4 serious, 1 willful and 3 other violations.

Inspection: 1413904.015 - Columbia Grain International Llc

Kevin was a hard worker and put great effort into completing his work tasks. His greatest work passion was breeding, raising and milking dairy cattle. His stories, sense of humor and generosity are greatly missed. He left behind his wife Tamara, parents, 4 siblings and their spouses and numerous extended family members.

Even though the family has gone through many emotions as they grieve and continue to miss Kevin, forgiveness is in their hearts. They are grateful for the kind and caring OSHA Representative that walked them through the investigation process as they waited for answers. They continue with thoughts and prayers to Kevin’s co-workers, who so quickly tried to save him and risked their own lives. And last, they believe that this was a “wake-up call” for the company to change and improve the safety for their current and future employees.

All workers should feel safe and go home each night to their families and all families should never have to experience the pain of their loved one not coming home from work because of a work accident.

This photo was sent in by his mother Elphia Botha-du Plessis.

~ 6/16/2014 ~

​Corneilius Johannes Du Plessis, 27

Corneilius was killed on the job in June 2014 while working for Doepke Farm in Washburn, North Dakota. He was killed when he was engulfed in grain.

This case is not in OSHA's jurisdiction.

This photo was sent in by his parents Darrel & Judy Hovde.

~ 3/17/1970 - 7/20/2008 ~

Darrel Richard Hovde, 38

Darrel was killed on the job in July 20, 2008 while working for Allstate Tower Service in Petersburg, North Dakota. He fell 50 feet while painting a tower.

Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $ 9,000.00 penalty for six serious violations. The fines were paid and the case is closed.

Inspection: 312320658 - Allstate Tower Service.

This photo was sent in by Linda Mccardle

~ 6/4/88 - 7/8/13~

Zachary “Zach” Aaron Roberts, 25

Zach was killed on the job in July 2013 while working for Monarch Towers, Inc in Bismarck, North Dakota. He died when he fell 250 ft from a cell tower. Namon Smith, 42 fell onto Zach and both perished in the fall. Monarch Towers in Bismarck, North Dakota was subcontracting for Basin Electric Power Cooperative and the tower is owned by Mountrail Williams Electric Cooperative.

Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $14,000.00 penalty for 2 serious violations. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced to $5,600.00 for 1 serious violation. This case is closed.
​
Inspection: 919441.015 - Monarch Tower, Inc.

​Zach was the baby of 4 kids. He was a father to 3 girls and a son. He was also a husband. Zach has always been a comedian and had a beautiful smile. That smile always was present when working or talking about towers. He has worked in the tower industry for 7 years, a good bit with my husband Matthew, whom Zach considered his father.

This photo sent in by his widow Angie

~ 6/30/1981 - 5/25/2012 ~

​Trevor James Skarphol, 30

Trevor was killed on the job in November 2012 while working for Scott's Electric, Inc. in West Fargo, North Dakota. Trevor was crushed when a steel beam fell 28 feet crushing him.

Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed no penalties or violations. The case is closed.

Inspection: 446957.015 - Scott's Electric, Inc.

Trevor James Skarphol was born on June 30 1981 and passed away on May 25 2012 when a 28ft steel beam fell on top of him while he was on the construction site for an addition on to a high school. He was a journeyman electrician employed by Scott's Electric.