A sugar beet cooperative based in Denver could face fines of nearly $116,000 for alleged work-safety violations in Montana. The death of a worker at one of its plants last fall prompted a federal investigation of the Western Sugar Cooperative.
An investigation at a site in Billings, Montana led to nine citations from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. OSHA says the site had fall hazards, unapproved electrical equipment and temporary wiring. Some of the same hazards had been identified in an earlier inspection. The agency is proposing a $115,900 penalty.
A spokesman told the Billings Gazette the cooperative has already been working to address safety concerns. The cooperative has two weeks to either comply, or contest the findings.
