A Utah man was killed earlier this month while trying to restart a palletizing machine at a pet food manufacturing facility.
On Tuesday, May 1, first responders were called to American Nutrition in Ogden, Utah around 3 a.m. for a report of an employee injured on the packing line. The 33-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene.
According to reports, the employee got into the palletizer elevator — while the power was on — and the machine rose up and crushed him against the top of the elevator. He was employed at the American Nutrition plant for five years. The company is a custom manufacturer of dry pet food.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is investigating the incident.
“We are investigating the accident, but are at the early stages of that process,” CEO of American Nutrition Bill Behnken said in a statement. “The entire American Nutrition family is deeply saddened at the loss of our dear associate and we extend our most heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. American Nutrition is offering support to the family in the immediate aftermath of this tragic event.”
