Industrial Accident Claims NC Metalworker

North Carolina officials say a metalworker died last week after he was struck by a tool ejected from heavy machinery.

Preliminary reports from the state labor department indicated that an employee at a Gastonia plant owned by Industrial Fabricators placed a tool a sheet metal press.

“When the press came down, it hit the tool and sent it into the employee’s chest,” agency spokesman Neal O’Briant said.

Local law enforcement said no other plant employees were involved. The victim's name remains withheld amid an ongoing investigation.

Industrial Fabricators employs more than 250 workers supplying metal parts to the automotive and electronics industries.

The Charlotte Observer cited OSHA records showing 36 workplace safety citations against the company since 2008.