A 29-year-old worker was killed at a Salt Lake City machine shop in mid-April when a heavy piece of metal slipped free from a crane sling and crushed him on the job. The fatal accident happened on April 16 at Bonneville Machine near 1800 West and 1500 South, according to local authorities, and quickly drew the attention of federal workplace safety investigators.
Inspectors with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, opened a fatality investigation at Bonneville Machine the same day. The agency’s online report lists two serious violations and one other-category violation, along with an initial penalty of $3,500 for the company.
The Salt Lake City Police Department told investigators that the metal came loose from a sling on a crane and struck the worker, killing him at the scene. Local reporting by ABC4 Utah identified the victim as a 29-year-old man. Authorities have not released his name.
What OSHA Found
According to OSHA's inspection record, one serious citation faulted the company for using slings in a basket hitch that were not properly balanced to prevent slippage. A second serious citation said the employer failed to keep workers clear of loads that were about to be lifted or were already suspended.
An additional "other" citation addressed incomplete periodic inspections of cranes for damage or loose parts. The items were issued on May 14, and the record lists abatement deadlines in mid-June for the hazards that were flagged.
What Comes Next
OSHA's public file shows the inspection is still open, with abatement dates listed for remaining items. The company was required to correct the violations by June 18. Employers have the option to contest citations through OSHA's review process, and any outcome, including fines, adjustments, or settlements, will be reflected in the agency’s record.
For now, the death remains under federal review, and the Salt Lake City Police Department says no criminal charges have been announced.
