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, recognized 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.

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This photo was sent in by his son Brandon Balaban.

~ 4/3/1963-4/18/2019 ~

Melvin Balaban, Jr., 56

Melvin was fatally injured on the job in April 2019 while working for Stonebrook Enterprises, Llc. in Fremont, Nebraska. He was fatally injured after he was thrown and fell approximately 40ft out of a scissor lift. Another worker was injured.

Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $10,741 penalty for one serious violation. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced to $7,500 . This inspection is closed.
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Inspection: 1394567.015 - Stonebrook Enterprises, Llc.

This photo was sent in by his mother Teresa Bachtell.

~ 3/21/1979-10/22/2010 ~

Patrick Andrew Bachtell, 31

Patrick was fatally injured on the job in October 2010 while working for Summerset Construction at Harper Ferry National Park in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. He was electrocuted while pouring concrete.

Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed to Sumersett Construction Inc. a $11,880 penalty for three serious and three other than serious violations. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced to $8,910 for three serious and three other than serious violations. This inspection is closed.

Federal OSHA proposed to Potomac Construction Industries Inc. after the investigating the incident a $9,800.00 penalty for two serious violations.  In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced to $5,145 for two serious violations. This inspection is close.

Inspection: 311682900 - Sumersett Construction Inc.
Inspection: 311682108 - Potomac Construction Industries Inc.

This photo was sent in by Michele and Tom Kahle.

~ 2/5/1979-7/19/2007 ~

Craig Bagley, 28

Craig was fatally injured on the job in July 2007 while working for Alaska Mechanical Inc. He was fatally injured when a JLG120HX man-lift tipped over.

Craig was a contract iron-worker and Tyler Kahle, 19 was also fatally injured in this incident.

USMWF was unable to find MSHA report.

This photo was sent in by his sister, DeAnn Ball.

~ 8/24/1966-1/20/14 ~

David Ball, 47

David was fatally injured on the job in January 20, 2014 while working for International Nutrition Plant, Nebraska. He was fatally injured when he was crushed when the building collapsed.

Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $120,000.00 penalty for seven serious, one willful, one repeat and two other than serious violations. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced to $78,000.00 for four serious, two repeat and three other than serious violations. This inspection is closed.
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Inspection: 955579.015 - International Nutrition, Inc.

This photo was sent in by his wife.

   ~ May 27, 2015 ~

Thomas Bales

Thomas was fatally injured on the job in May 2015 while working for Wanzek Construction Inc. in Elgin, Nebraska. He was fatally injured after the crane he was operating rolled into a field.

Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $7,000.00 penalty for one serious violation.  This inspection is closed.

Inspection: 1066319.015 - Wanzek Construction

This photo was sent by his mother Lori Ballasch.

~ 4/6/1969-2/25/2005 ~

Stephan Ballasch, 35

Stephan was fatally injured on the job in February 2005 while working for Viaero Wireless in Sterling, Colorado. He was fatally injured 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 sister Jacona Gillespie.`

~ 2/25/175-12/7/2017 ~

Sammy Barnett, 42

Sammy "Iron Man Sam" was fatally injured on the job in December 2017 while working for Spirit AeroSystems in Wichita, Kansas. He was fatally injured after a load became dislodged, pinning him between the load and a steel table.

Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $51,736 penalty for four serious violation. In a informal conference they proposed a $38,802 penalty for three serious violation. This inspection is closed.

Inspection: 1275664.015 - Spirit Aerosystems, Inc.

This photo was sent in by her Mom, Kerrie Baures.

~ 4/9/1993-12/1/2014 ~

Brooke “Tink” Baures, 21

Brooke was fatally injured on the job in December 2014 while working for WingDam Saloon and Grill in Fountain City, Wisconsin. Brooke was fatally injured after getting her head caught in a descending second-floor dumbwaiter while working a banquet at the restaurant.

This photo was sent in by his Mom, Theresa Beam.

~ 2/21/1983-8/10/2016 ~

Joshua Beam, 33

Josh was fatally injured on the job in August 2016 while working for Pike Lumber Company Incorporated in Milan, Indiana. Josh was cutting a tree when it fell into a neighboring tree, causing that tree's top to fall, striking him.

OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $7,000.00 penalty for one serious violations. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced to $5,000.00 for one serious violation. This inspection is closed.

Inspection: 1169286.015 - 105361

This photo was sent in by her daughter Prencess Bellamy.

~ 1973-3/28/2011 ~

Paula Bellamy, 38

Paula was fatally injured on the job in March 2011 while working for Ceres Terminals Incorporated at APM Terminals Virginia in Portsmouth, Virginia. Paula was fatally injured when she was struck by a fork truck.

OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $13,200.00 penalty for two serious violations. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced to $4,200.00 for one serious violation. This inspection is closed.

Inspection: 309735447 - Ceres Marine Terminal Inc.

This photo was sent in by his sister Sarah Martin.

~ 3/12/1992-8/29/2019 ~

Riley Beltz, 27

Riley was fatally injured on the job in August of 2019 while working for West Techs Chill Water Specialists in Midland, Texas. Riley was fatally injured when he was lifting a heat exchanger using a pulley system. The heat exchanger swung, and struck him in the chest and head.

Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed penalties of $28,338 for three serious citations. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced to $16,058 for three serious violations. This inspection is closed.

Inspection: 1427270.015 - West Techs Chill Water Specialists

Riley was an avid fisherman and loved his family especially his nieces and nephews we sure do miss him every day. Since he can't be his own voice I am making it my mission to be his voice.

This photo was sent in by his daughters Angela Bennett and Kristy Weddington.

~ 12/2/1950-3/20/2014 ~

John E. Bennett, 63

John was fatally injured on the job in March 2014 while working for Midwest Farmers Cooperative’s grain handling facility in Tecumseh, Nebraska. He was overcome by anhydrous ammonia vapors while transferring the liquid from a semi truck to bulk storage tanks. He later passed away at the hospital from complications related to the ammonia inhalation. Three other workers were injured.

Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed penalties of $62,101.00 for ten serious citations. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced to $25,200.00 for four serious violation and $12,600.00 for three other than serious violations. This inspection is still open as of 8/29/2015.

Inspection: 964263.015 - Midwest Farmers Cooperative

This photo was sent in by his parents Terrance and Kimberly Bish.

~ 12/2/1950-3/20/2014 ~

Gregory Robert Bish, 26

Gregory was fatally injured on the job in December 2010 while working for West Penn Energy Services in Elderton, Pennsylvania. He was fatally injured in an explosion on the job.

Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $6,000.00 penalty for two serious violations. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced to $5,000.00 for one serious violation. This inspection is closed.
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Inspection: 309735447-Ceres Marine Terminal Inc.

Oh my son, it was -12 degrees that day. If only the company had told you that there were hydrocarbons in the tank even though you cleaned it every day, I know that you knew not to put heat to that stuff. But, there were no mention of hydrocarbons in your training materials & it was never verbally mentioned. I miss you and think of you and your smile & big bubba hugs everyday, son. How I wished we wouldn't have lost you that way because we didn't even get to see you to say goodbye. You are always on my mind, in my heart and forever young. I love you Gregory.

This photo was sent in by his wife Sheila.

~ 10/9/1951-7/2/2012 ~

Lewis A Bissell, 60

Lewis was fatally injured on the job in July 2012 while working for Superior Beverage Group, Ltd in Solon, Ohio. He was found fatally injured on the floor with his forklift nearby in-gear and running.

OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $3,060.00 penalty for one serious violation. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced to $1,530.00 for one serious violation. This inspection is closed.
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Inspection: 527278.015 - Superior Beverage Group, Ltd.

We would have been married 35 years in October. His death was a shock! Lewis lived in Mentor, OH.

This photo was sent in by his mother Linda Block.

~ 5/30/1990-6/1/2017 ~

Deuel Block, 27

Deuel was fatally injured on the job in June 2017 while working for Didion Milling, Inc. in Cambria, Wisconsin. He was fatally injured due to multiple explosions that occurred at the dry corn milling facility.  Four other co-workers were also fatally injured in the explosion.  Additionally there were 12 other employees that received injuries from the explosion.

OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $1,837,861 penalty for five serious violations and 14 willful violations. This inspection is under contest and is still open as of 1/15/2020.
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Inspection: 1236533.015 - Didion Milling, Inc.

This photo was sent in by his sister Beth Love.​

~ August 1977-1954 ~

Loren Boller, 23

Loren was fatally injured on the job in August 1977 while working for Fruehauf Trailer Co. in Omaha, Nebraska. He was fatally injured in a welding incident.

As of January 2013, we have been unable to gain any information on this case.

He was inside the tank area checking for weld strength. They pumped air into the bulkhead between the two tanks to check for weld leakage. The bulkhead gave way and he was killed instantly. We were told that there was only to have been like 9 psi of air pressure to test, the line feeding it would hold over 300 psi, and the regulator gauge was faulty, they did not know how much pressure there had been.

This photo was sent in by his Mom, Hope Mock.

~ 6/27/1970-10/30/2003 ~

Shawn D. Boone, 33

Shawn was fatally injured on the job in October 2003 while working for Hayes Lemmerz Int. in Huntington, Indiana. He was in an aluminum dust explosion and passed away the day after the incident.

IOSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $42,000.00 penalty for six serious violations. This inspection is closed.
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Inspection: 306860461 - Hayes Lemmerz Intl.

This photo was sent in by his daughter, Jacky Leslie.

~ 2/10/57-1/23/2015 ~

Jorg Borowski, 57

Jorg was fatally injured on the job in January 2015 while working for International Paper Company in Ticonderoga, New York. He was fatally injured after approximately 97% of his body was burned while changing an ash bag.

Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $211,000 penalty for three serious violations, two willful and one repeat violation. In an informal settlement the penalty was changed to $245,000.00 for five serious violations and 3 repeat violations . This inspection is closed.  

Inspection: 1020528.015 - International Paper Company

He was severely (97% of his body) burned while changing an ash bag that caught fire. It was investigated by OSHA...citations were handed out (end of July). My father was an amazing man. He raised my sister and I alone since I was five and she was four. He was always a hard worker, and would do anything to help anyone. He actually battled and beat lymphoma five years ago, so the fact that he made it through that fight and ended up passing away from an accident like this is angering to say the least. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, but most of all his grandchildren. He had actually just bought my oldest son his first fishing pole not long before the accident, unfortunately he will not have the opportunity to be with him when he uses it for the first time. It is so hard to put in words how important my dad was and how special he was. Not a day goes by that I don't think of him and miss him.

This photo was sent in by his widow Carmen Bradley.

~ 2/4/1971-9/15/2011 ~

Bryan P. Bradley, 40

Bryan was fatally injured on the job in September 2011 while working for Tishman Construction Corp. at Revel Casino in Atlantic City, New Jersey. He was fatally injured when he was struck by lightning.

Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $3,000.00 penalty for one serious violations. The inspection is closed.
 
Inspection: 315826917 - Network Construction Company, Inc.

My husband was pouring concrete at the Revel Casino when lightning struck the medal bucket he was handling. He died as a result of that lightning strike. Losing him has left a terrible void in our hearts that can never be filled. We will miss and love him for the rest of our days.

This photo was sent in by his father Maurey, mother Kristy and brother Wyatt Bragg.

~ 1/30/1989-7/27/2012 ~

Cody James Bragg, 23

Cody was fatally injured on the job in July 2012 while working for IFH Group (Innovative Fuel Handling Group) in Rock Falls, Illinois. He was fatally injured when 4500lbs. of steel plates slid off the fork truck and crushed him.

Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $20,790.00 penalty for three serious violations. In an informal settlement the penalty was reduced to $16,632.00 for three serious violations. The inspection is closed.

Inspection: 551358.015 - The IFH Group, Inc.​

Cody is survived by his Dad, Mom and younger brother, Wyatt. Cody loved doing anything with people, especially his friends. Cody's friends were a very important part of his life and he frequently talked about them with his family. Cody enjoyed spending time with his girlfriend(Kelsey) and her family, outdoor activities, recreational events, bowling, tubing on the river, and especially playing darts and participating on a dart league. Cody loved hanging out at his favorite bar with his closest friends. 400 people attended his funeral-he had more friends in his short life than most people have in a lifetime. Cody was a awesome son and there are no words that can describe him as a person, just as there are no words that can describe the loss of a child. To see more about Cody.

This photo was sent in by his mother Charmaine Winbolt.

~ 12/6/1974-3/15/2012 ~​

Rodney R. Bridgett, 37

aRodney was fatally injured on the job in March 2012 while working for Tyson Foods Inc. in Dakota City, Nebraska. Rodney was performing maintenance work when a quick link chain failed and he was crushed by equipment.

Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $145,600 penalty for fourteen serious violations, and one other than serious violation. In a informal conference they proposed a $78,150.00 penalty for fifteen serious violation. This inspection is closed.

Inspection: 281167.015 - Tyson Foods Inc

Rodney R. Bridgett, 37, of Sioux City passed away on Thursday, March 15, 2012 from injuries suffered at work. Rodney graduated from East High School in 1993. He worked at Tyson Foods as a maintenance mechanic. He was married to Jaime Brewer on March 19, 1999 in Elk Point, S.D. Rodney loved doing anything mechanical, from fixing cars or motorcycles to any type of machines. He also enjoyed fishing, camping, skate boarding, playing video games with his kids and swimming. He was a member of union UFCW Local 222. He is survived by his wife, Jaime Bridgett four sons, Duaine, Destin, Reilly and Ramsey; father, Ronald (Ellen) Bridgett of Sioux City; mother, Charmaine (Lonnie) Winbolt of Hubbard, Neb.; three brothers, Andrew, Nicholas and James; and paternal grandparents, Robert (Vivian) Bridgett. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Viola and Harvey Sholl. To see more about Rodney.​

This photo was sent in by his mother Mary Fox.

~ 4/26/1987-3/12/2014 ~

Nikolai G. Briggs, 26

Nikolai was fatally injured on the job in March 2014 while working for TnT Oil in Warren, Pennsylvania. He was welding on the top of the tank when the torch he was using caused vapor in the tank to ignite and explode.

Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $10,200.00 penalty for two serious and one other than serious violations. There were no reductions during the informal settlement. This inspection is closed.

Inspection: 963019.015 - Tnt Oil Co.

---- My son, Nikolai G. Briggs, was killed on March 12, 2014 in a workplace accident. He was employed by TnT Oil in Warren, PA. He was born on April 26, 1987. He was 26 years old at the time of his death. We miss him terribly.

This photo was sent in by her grandfather Richard A. Sands

~ 7/28/1989-3/16/2007 ~

Stephanie Michelle Brown, 17

Stephanie was fatally injured while on the job in March 2007 while working for Atlantis Strip-Club in Michigan.
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This case is not in OSHA's jurisdiction.

​This photo was sent in by his Step Daughter, Nicole Pitches.

~ 12/1/2010 ~

Tonay Alryn E Bullock, 71

Arlyn Bullock (Al ) was fatally injured while working on the Farm for Dottie Meyers just outside of Ravenna, Nebraska on Dec 1, 2010. He was operating an auger that dug holes into the ground, building a shelter belt for the horses. His coat got caught in the pto shaft and he was sucked into the auger which crushed him from the chin down. He was doing the one thing he loved to do.

This case is not in OSHA's jurisdiction.

"My stepfather taught us all that it is better to be loved then never be loved at all. He was to me the father that he never had to be. He will always be remembered and forever loved. He is missed terribly..."

This photo was sent in by her mother Teresa Bullock.

~ 10/8/1996-3/21/2022 ~

Blair Bullock, 25

Blair was fatally injured on the job in March 2022 while working for T&L Irrigation, in Red Rock, Nebraska. She was fatally injured after she was pinned under an ATV.

This case is not in OSHA's jurisdiction.

Blair’s passion in life was putting interests in family, friends and even strangers before herself. She graduated from Branford High School in 2015 where she was a record holder in Basketball. She graduated from University of West Alabama in Livingston, AL in 2019 with a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Management. She was a dual college athlete in basketball and rodeo, a Florida High School State Champion Breakaway Roper (2015), International Finals Youth Rodeo Breakaway Champion (2015) and National High School Rodeo Qualifer. She was a member of FCA, FFA, Volleyball, Basketball, Softball and Suwannee River Riding Club. During college she was a member of National Intercollegiate Rodeo Association, Ozark Region Reserve Champion, and National Intercollegiate Qualifer-Casper, WY. She also graduated with honors. Following college she coached JV and middle school basketball and was on the board of the Suwannee River Riding Club. Her love was training and riding horses and teaching others about the western way of life. She enjoyed music of all genres and had recently started DJ AirBlair 13 Entertainment. She loved spending time with family and friends and had friends of all ages and all walks of life. Following her passing she was honored in a tribute rodeo in her home town and was honored at her High School by the retiring of her no. 13 Jersey. There was a scholarship set up in her name at the University of West AL and she was honored at a tribute rode at the College.

This photo was sent in by his wife Karen Burkhalter.`

~ 3/20/1965-5/4/2015 ~

Derrick B. Burkhalter, 50

Derrick was injured on the job on April 27th, 2015 later passing away on May 4th, 2015 while working for The Calumet County Highway Department in Rantoul, Wisconsin. A car ran beneath his street sweeper and he later died from his injuries.

This photo was sent in by his wife Teresia Burnham.`

~ 1971-2012 ~

Jeff Burnham, 40

Jeff was fatally injured on the job in August 2011 while working for Global Propane Energy in Wichita, Kansas. He was fatally injured after receiving severe burns in an explosion.

Federal OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $4,200.00 penalty for one serious violation. In a informal conference they proposed a $3,150.00 penalty for one serious violation. This inspection is closed.
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Inspection: 315089698 - Global Energy Of Wichita, Llc

This photo was shared by his daughter, Melanie Rose.

~ 1/25/1957–8/28/2012 ~

Robert Edward Buskey, Jr., 55

Bob was fatally injured on the job on August 28, 2012 while working for Export Fuel Company in Export, Pennsylvania.  He was fatally injured when he was crushed by a pavement roller.

OSHA investigated the incident and proposed a $41,300 penalty initially for 18 violations, dropping it down to 12 serious violations. In and informal conference they later reduced it to a $27,540 penalty for 11 serious and one other than serious violations.

Inspection: 599038.015 - Export Fuel Company Inc.

Bob was a spiritual person whose family was his life. He was known as “Buck” to many, but his greatest nickname was “Dad.” He was a hero to his wife of over 35 years and their 5 children. Bob was very proud of his 5 grandchildren and his legacy of love continues to grow, now with 11 grandchildren total. He is missed immensely but lives on in the hearts and memories of those who love him.