LA CENTER, Wash. — A 16-year-old boy working on a job site in La Center was dragged underneath the blade of a walk-behind trencher causing him to lose both his legs.
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) is currently investigating this incident and has fined Rotschy LLC, a construction company based out of Vancouver.
The company allegedly sent the 16-year-old worker to operate the machine without supervision or adequate safety measures. They are facing more than $150,000 in fines.
At the company, the young worker was participating in a work-based learning program that allows students to earn credit and gain experience working outside the classroom.
Rotschy LLC had a student learner exemption permitting minors to do some work that is otherwise prohibited by L&I, but use of the walk-behind trencher was not part of the exemption.
Due to this incident, L&I issued an order of immediate restraint to stop work and suspended their student learner exemption. The company was also charged a total of $156,259 in fines, the maximum penalty available, for employees to operate equipment without training or experience.
“This tragedy should never have happened, and this young man’s life will never be the same,” said Craig Blackwood, assistant director for L&I’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health. “Employers with young workers should look after our children as they would their own. When they fail to keep a young worker safe, it’s a violation of the community’s trust.”
Rotschy is facing further investigation from L&I’s Youth Employment Safety Unit and could lead to additional fines and restrictions on the company’s ability to employ minor workers.
This is a developing story and will be updated as more information becomes available. Check back for updates.
