A worksite accident last July 15 left one casualty at Appleton Paper in West Carrollton, Ohio. The worker, William Wilson, got his legs trapped under a beam that fell from a forklift. The heavy beam, a spreader bar, had to be crane-lifted off of the victim by the emergency crew that responded to the accident. Though Wilson was rushed to the Miami Valley Hospital, he later died due to complications. He was 39 years old.

Initial reports had stated that the accident involved a fallen crane, but was later on clarified as a spreader bar that fell from a forklift being used on the plant. OSHA has yet to do further investigations, as well as has stated that it could take more than two weeks before investigations finish and the real cause of the accident is determined. Due to this incident and the obvious need to do equipment checks and maintenance on the plant site, Appleton Paper was shut down.

Such accidents and casualties in the workplace can be prevented, given the implementation and observance of safe work practices such as regular equipment maintenance, proper lockout/tag-out procedures, safe and skillful operation of powered industrial equipment, secure rigging, and sufficient hazard communication in the area. The management and owners should be the first to assert such safety on the jobsite, with the safety and welfare of their workers in mind. Notwithstanding, the workers have to strive alongside the management as well in making sure that their safety is looked out for in the workplace. Together, further unfortunate incidents such as this can be avoided.