Worker Death While Cleaning Tank Leads to Fine for Roofing Firm

IKO Pacific, a roofing product manufacturer based in Sumas, Wash., faces $98,000 in proposed penalties after the company’s alleged failure to follow lockout/tagout procedures that resulted in the death of a worker, according to the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.

The worker died after an agitator arm inside a tank he was cleaning turned on, the agency said.

The department has cited IKO for 17 serious violations and one general violation. Seven of the violations stem from allegedly not following their energy control and lockout procedures by not having an authorized employee to ensure the safety of ...