Minnesota trucking company fined over $600,000 after worker's death

A Minnesota trucking company has been fined $621,600 by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) following the death of an employee in March.

In July 2024, Minnesota's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Compliance issued 12 citations against Wayne Transports, Inc. for violations of general industry and confined space standards following the March 7 death of Justin Erickson, 39, at the company's facility in Virginia, Minnesota.

Erickson was inspecting the inside of a tanker trailer to make sure it had been cleaned when he died. Attorney for Wayne Transports, Aaron Dean, said he was alone because his partner was out that day, which he said was a rare occurrence.

Erikson left behind his wife and four children and is remembered as a "loving husband, father, brother, uncle, son, and friend." A GoFundMe was set up following his death to support his family.

"We will always remember him as being carefree, fun, outgoing, funny, and the list could go on," the GoFundMe reads.

The medical examiner determined that Erickson most likely died from asphyxiation and chemical exposure."

According to the citations, the company did not prevent unauthorized entry, identify and evaluate the hazards before entry, implement procedures necessary for safe operations, test conditions inside before employee entry, or provide at least one attendant outside during entry operations. Adequate training was also not given to employees conducting entries.

In addition to the ten confined space citations, Minnesota OSHA also issued two citations to Wayne Transports for not having safety datasheets for chemicals in truck tank trailers.

"Work processes must be designed with the goal of eliminating workplace injuries and illnesses, and workers must be properly trained about how to perform their work safely," said DLI Commissioner Nicole Blissenbach. "Before work is performed in a confined space, employers must evaluate the elements of that space and ensure they have a comprehensive plan to protect their employees from potential hazards."

Wayne Transports has filed a Notice of Contest since the citations were issued, with Dean arguing that nine were duplicative and over the state maximum of $25,000.

Dean explained that the company would meet with OSHA representatives in six weeks to discuss these citations and try to come to a resolution. If not, a lawsuit could be filed against Wayne Transports that could last up to two years.

"It's an unfortunate set of circumstances; they're a really good company," Dean said to Bring Me The News . "They have been around since 1950 and have never received an OSHA citation in the last 74 years

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports more than 1,030 U.S. workers died from workplace injuries related to confined spaces from 2011 to 2018.