USMWF knows and understands a picture is worth a thousand words.  We are grateful to the families of our fallen workers that have joined the cause and shared the picture and story of their loved one in our USMWF Face Campaign Tribute page.

The tributes are to honor and remember their loved one and to gain a connection between you,  our viewers and the importance of workplace safety, whether that connection be a similar job, work in the same industry, same age or even someone that reminds you of a loved one.  We want you to share our loved one’s stories to ultimately prevent similar incidents from occurring. 


We are the reality of the importance of workplace safety.  It happened to us…...it can happen to anyone.  We invite you to spread the awareness, the stories, the impact with others as together we can make a difference.

---

This photo was sent in by his Daughter, Peggy Cohen.

~ 1947-1/2/2006 ~

Fred G. (Bear) Ware Jr., 59

Fred was fatally injured in January 2006 while working at the International Coal Group's at the Sago Mine, Buckhannon, West Virginia. He was fatally injured by carbon monoxide poisoning/explosion.

----He and 11 other men died from carbon monoxide poisoning.

MSHA investigated the disaster and did not identify any contributing violations and assessed no penalties.

This photo was sent in by his wife Naomi Weinke.

~ 12/13/1952-4/25/2020 ~

Gary Layne Weinke, 67

Gary was fatally injured in April 2020 while working at the Indiana Department of Corrections, Wabash Valley Correctional Facility in Carlisle, Indiana. He is believed to have contracted the COVID-19 virus while at work and sadly lost his battle to the virus.

Indiana OSHA investigated the incident and no citations were implemented. This case is closed.
​
Inspection: 1473702.015 - 110963 - Wabash Valley Correctional Facility

Gary worked in the SCU (Secured Confinement Unit) Level 5, Maximum Security. He was a thirteen year veteran worker for the State of Indiana, five of those were as a store clerk delivering commissary to offenders, before switching over to custody. 

Gary was a loving husband, Father, Papaw, and Brother. His first Great-Grandson was born in November 2019....he was so proud being a Great-Grand Papaw. He also left behind six children and 17 Grand Children, two Brothers, two Sisters and several Nieces and Nephews, Cousins and his Aunt Betty.

He enjoyed family dinners, annual bonfire, camping, and his big red truck, RAM 2500 going on day trips to areas all around the state. He is loved and missed everyday!!

To see more on: Gary

This photo was sent in by his mother, Kathy Pierce.

​~ 10/26/1992-3/19/2014 ~

Chad Louis Weller, 21

​Chad was fatally injured in March 2014 while working for Redwing Electric LLC (Fairfield, New Jersey) at the Eastern District police station and a fire station in Pasadena, Maryland. He was fatally injured after he fell from a 200 foot water tower.

The Maryland Occupational Safety and Health Program (MOSH) is inspecting the case is ongoing.

---- Chad was the most loving son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, boyfriend and friend. He had the most amazing personality that lite up any room he walked in. He wanted so much to join the Navy and had set a goal to do that this summer, but sadly that never took place due to his tragedy He was always there to pick up anyone that was feeling down and put a smile back on their face, he had a heart of gold, Chad loved the work he was doing, I remember him telling me that he felt so peaceful when he was up on the towers, he loved fishing, crabbing, hunting and his new pick up truck. Chad is greatly missed by many but his memory lives on through all who loved him.

To see more on: Chad

This photo was sent in by his wife Beth Wessel.

~ 1/17/1974-6/18/2019 ~

Daniel Scott Wessel, 45

Daniel was fatally injured on June 2019 while working for Rocky Mountain Construction in Klamath Falls, Oregon. He was fatally injured after being struck by a motor vehicle in a construction zone.

Oregon OSHA investigated the incident and no citations were implemented. This case is closed.

Inspection: 1410793.015 - 317724626 - Rocky Mountain Construction Llc;

-- Dan has 5 children: Melissa, Madison, Jenna, Clayton, and Samuel. He was a very kind and hard working man who loved his family with all his heart. He sacrificed so much to give his family a good life and he will always hold a special place in the hearts of those who knew him. 

Dan loved to hunt, fish, camp and rope. But most of all, Dan loved spending his free time with his family and close friends.

To see more on: Dan

This photo was sent in by his daughter Rosie and Jeremy Fraley.

~ 6/16/1962-12/1/2014 ~

Jason T West, 52

Jason was fatally injured in December 2014 while working for Hi-Way Paving in Logan, Ohio. He was fatally injured when he was paving the airport at BWI Airport and was caught in an auger.

Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $4,450.00 penalty for a serious violation. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced to $2,225.00.  This case is closed

Inspection: 1011039.015 - Hi-Way Paving, Inc.

---- He was a loving father, son, brother, uncle, friend and husband. He loved mushroom hunting, fishing, and just relaxing with a beer in his hand. I am his daughter Leslie (Rosie) Fraley. Taken from me, I'm sitting here in my room, looking at your picture. Wondering why you couldn't be a part of my future. Uncontrollable tears stream down my face, while my heart beat starts to race. Asking God why he took you from my life, it was more painful than stabbing me in the heart with a knife. I still needed you here you were the one to make everything so clear. you are a part of me and I am a part of you when you died a part of me died too. I never knew how hard it was to lose someone you love until the day you went to heaven above. Even though I can't see, I know your up there watching over me. I miss you more and more everyday and all I can do is pray. In my heart you shall forever remain. In memory of my dad, If I could write a story It would be the greatest ever told Of a kind and loving father Who had a heart of gold If could write a million pages But still be unable to say, just how Much I love and miss him Every single day I will remember all he taught me I'm hurt but won't be sad Because he'll send me down the answers And he'll always be MY DAD .

To see more on: Jason

This photo was sent in by his Family.

~ 12/14/1974-3/16/2016 ~

​Jason Weston, 41

Jason was fatally injured in March 2016 while working for CPI in Hayland, Nebraska. The incident is still under investigation but it is believed that he was fatally injured due to asphyxiation caused by the safety harness.

Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $411,540.00 penalty for three serious violations and three willful violations. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced to $152,122.00 for two serious violations and one wilful.

Inspection: 1133334.015 - Cooperative Producers, Inc. - Hayland

To see more on: Jason

This photo was sent in by his sister Kima Whipple-Jackson.

~ 6/15/1985-7/10/2009 ~

​Damien Whipple, 24

Damien was fatally injured in September 2009 while working for Rescar Industries in Gordon, Georgia. He was fatally injured after he fell off of a train onto the tracks and was pinned under another train while switching rail cars.

Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $32,000.00 penalty for nine serious violations. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced to $16,000.00 for four serious violations and one other.

Inspection: 312527617 - Rescar Industries, Inc.

---- He is deeply missed by his mother, sisters and brothers, family and friends. We know he is resting with God.

This photo was sent in by his sister Allison Williams.

~ 7/7/1993-8/16/2020 ~

James "Jimmy" White, 27

Jimmy White became ill on the job in August while working for Veterans Administration Medical Center in Lake City, FL.  He is believed to have contracted the COVID-19 virus while at work.

 Allison Williams- "Jimmy was proud to be an RN (Registered Nurse) and cared deeply for his patients. He was lost in the line of duty working as a nurse and fighting the COVID-19 pandemic. In his spare time, Jimmy was a video-gamer and movie buff and enjoyed rooting for his favorite sports teams: Chicago Bears “Da Bears”, Chicago Cubs, and Blackhawks. Jimmy was quick-witted, hilarious, and spoke his mind. Those who knew him best will remember all the times he made us laugh and his signature grin. He was extremely loyal to his closest friends and family and would do anything for them. Jimmy had the biggest heart, cared deeply for his fellow human, and was an incredibly grateful person. He was a best friend to his big sister, Allison, and deeply admired his father, David. He had a special bond with his step-mother Mary and was best buds with his brother-in-law Chris and his long-time best friend Kyle Katona. He adored his “sassy southern sister” and close family friend Madeline Mabile and extended family. He will be missed by countless friends and family. There will forever be an empty space at the table and in our hearts. Rest easy, Jimmy. You will never be forgotten."

To see more on: James

This photo was sent in by his parents Gary and Carla Whitebread.

~ 7/20/2011 ~

​Wyatt Whitebread, 14 

​Wyatt was fatally injured in July 2011 while working for Haasbach LLC, in Mount Carroll, Illinois. He was fatally injured when he was engulfed by grain. Co-workers Alex Pacas, 19 was also fatally injured and Will Piper, 20, injured.

OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $555,000.00 penalty for twelve willful violations, twelve serious violations and one other than serious violation. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced $200,000.00. There was and additional penalty from Wage and Hour of $68,235.00. This case is closed.

Inspection: 314037433 - Haasbach, L.L.C.

To see more on: Wyatt

This photo was sent in by his mother Bess.

~ 3/8/1962-7/13/2012 ~

​Randy Wilson, 50

Randy was fatally injured in in June 2012 while working for Clean Fuels of Indiana, Inc. in Raleigh, North Carolina. He was fatally injured after he was struck by a vehicle testing fuel at a BP gas station in a manhole.

NCDOL investigated the incident and proposed a $5,600.00 penalty for two serious violations. These were not reduced.

Inspection: 316364843 - Clean Fuels Of Indiana Inc Dba Clean Fuels National

To see more on: Randy

This photo was sent in by his wife Jana Wilson.

~ 5/2/1960-1/30/2010 ~

Tim Wilson, 49

Tim was fatally injured in January 2010 while working for Cargill Meat Solutions (Excel Specialty Products) in Nebraska City, Nebraska. He was fatally injured when a hydraulic lift tipped and he fell approximately 20ft.

Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed $9,500.00 penalty. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced to $7,000.00.

Inspection: 314053406 - Cargill Meat Solutions.

To see more on: Tim

This photo was sent in by his Mom, Marilyn.

​~ 7/01/1976-3/01/2019 ~

​William "Billy" George Wilson, Jr., 43

Billy was fatally injured in March 2019 while working for Summit Products, Inc. in Des Moines, Iowa. He was believed to have been behind the interlocked guarding when one of the transfers moved, pinning him between the transfer and stationary material rack fatally injuring him.

IOSHA investigated the incident and proposed $8,781 for two serious and one other than violation. This case is closed.

Inspection: 1382178.015 - Summit Products, Inc.

---Billy is really missed by his son Aspen, sister, Patti , and brother Brandon. Along with his father and I.  He is also missed by his grandmother’s Jerrie and Sandy . Nephews, Austin, Dacoda. Niece’s Mariah and Brooklynne.also one great nice Mya along with his aunts, and uncles. Plus a big amount of cousins. Billy was an outgoing man. He loved his sports. He loved challenges the best. But most of all He loved playing pool with his teammates. Those pool sticks to him was like gold. He was an out spoken person but loving to others and to those who needed his help. This shouldn’t of never happened to him but it did and now we as a family wait for answers.

This photo was sent by his daughter Brittany Winkler.

~ 1/3/1963-12/10/2013 ~

Scott S. Winkler, 50

Scott was fatally injured on the job in December 2013 while working for Precision (based out of Congers, New York) in Monroe, New York. He was fatally injured after a wall collapsed and crushed him.

OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $14,000.00 penalty for two serious violations. This case is closed.

Timothy Lang, 53 was lost and Rafael Zakota, 37 was injured in this incident.

Inspection: 950705.015 - Precision Concrete Pumping, Inc.

---- Scott S. Winkler was a 30-year member of the International Union of Operating Engineers. Scott was killed from a workplace incident. He was pouring concrete when a retaining wall collapsed. Both him and his coworker were trapped beneath the wall. His coworker was pronounced dead when his body was recovered by rescuers at the scene. Scott was flown to the hospital where he suffered from many injuries for 8 days before losing his life.

OSHA completed their investigation and they cited the general contractor, for two (2) serious violations. The first violation was issued because three braces to support the formwork that workers were pouring concrete into were missing, leading the structure to collapse, according to the citation notice. The second violation was issued for not having the drawings for the formwork on the construction site. Serious violations are issued for hazardous conditions that could result in death or serious physical harm in substantial probability. Each violation at the site carries a $7,000 fine, the maximum amount for a serious violation.

To see more on: Scott

~ 1/3/1963-11/3/2014 ~

Stephen Paul Woods,41

Stephen was fatally injured on the job in November 2014 while working for Weaver & Weaver Construction in Guntersville, Alabama. He was fatally injured when a pile driver hit him in the head.

Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $2,000.00 penalty for one other than serious violation. The case is closed.

Inspection: 1006368.015 - Weaver & Weaver Construction
​
​---- This was my Husband of 22 yrs, Stephen Paul Woods, of Albertville Alabama. Stephen was tragically killed November 3rd, 2014 at work, while working for Weaver & Weaver construction., Guntersville, Alabama. Stephen had worked with them most of his life. He leaves behind, His wife, Amy, his 3 children, Austin, Anna-Scott, & Jessica., His Mom, Nell Woods, & several brothers, sisters, Nieces, & Nephews, along with lots of friends. His employer claims he has No insurance coverage, and has not 1 attempt 2 C if his wife or Children have been N need of ANYTHING since the accident, not 1 phone call from them. Meanwhile, his wife's vehicle has been repoed, her credit score has took a landslide, 2 where she cannot get any loans 2 combine her debts, or at least keep her credit score to the good.  NOT even gonna mention Christmas for the kids. Or School.

To see more on: Stephen

This photo was sent in by his parents Raymond & Margo Woods.

~ 5/17/1975-4/06/2022 ~

Jermaine Woods, 47

Jermaine was fatally injured in April 2022 while working for Wabash Trailer Co. in Lafayette, Indiana. He was fatally injured after he was exiting a work vehicle and fell to his knees then proceeded to pass out due to a heart event.

This case is not in OSHA's jurisdiction.

"We miss you dearly and a day don't go by without thinking of you."

To see more on: Jermaine

This photo was sent in by his daughter Samantha Wooten.

~ 11/5/59-7/21/16 ~

Thomas "Tom" Edward Wooten, 56

Tom was fatally injured in July 2016 while working for Northfield NH Department of Public Works in New Hampshire. He was fatally injured after he was caught in between the tractor and the trailer he and co-workers were moving.

This case is not in OSHA's jurisdiction.

To see more on: Thomas