OSHA Cites White Cedar Shingles Inc. After Fatal Workplace Accident

White Cedar Shingles Inc. of Superior, Wisconsin, has been cited for nine safety violations by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) following a fatal workplace accident on May 21. The agency has proposed fines totaling $156,240 after a worker died while servicing machinery that had not been properly locked out to prevent an unexpected startup.

The incident occurred at the company’s manufacturing facility in Superior. OSHA’s investigation revealed that the machinery was not de-energized or locked out, a critical safety measure to protect workers during maintenance. The agency has placed White Cedar Shingles Inc. in its Severe Violator Enforcement Program, which focuses on employers who demonstrate indifference to their obligations under workplace safety laws.

“This was a terrible, preventable tragedy,” said an OSHA spokesperson. “Employers must ensure that proper lockout/tagout procedures are followed to protect workers from hazardous energy releases.” The citations include willful and serious violations related to lockout/tagout standards, machine guarding, and employee training.

White Cedar Shingles Inc. has 15 business days to contest the citations and proposed penalties or request an informal conference with OSHA’s area director. The company has not yet issued a public statement regarding the incident or the citations.