Fruit storage contractor faces fines after Wenatchee worker’s death
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Two central Washington companies, Pace International and Stemilt Growers, face a combined $650,000 in fines after a worker died from a lack of oxygen in an apple storage facility.
Randall Washut, a 61-year-old from Wenatchee, died last October. He went to a controlled atmosphere room to apply a fog fungicide. Controlled atmosphere rooms deplete oxygen to preserve fruit. A Stemilt employee had unlocked the room to allow the worker in.
The Stemilt employee’s oxygen monitor alarm sounded near the open entry port, indicating the room was oxygen deficient. However, the employee did not alert Washut, who entered the room alone without a safety attendant.
A second Pace employee, noticing inactivity, found Washut unresponsive inside the room.
Washington State Department of Labor & Industries inspectors reported oxygen readings between 1.9% to 2.09% that morning. Investigators said oxygen levels were considerably lower than normal levels, according to a press release.
“Both companies own a piece of this preventable tragedy,” said Craig Blackwood, assistant director for L&I’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health. “When just one worker showed up for Pace, the Stemilt operator should have asked, ‘Why are you alone? Where is your attendant? Where is your oxygen tank?’”
Pace International was fined $574,000 for 10 violations related to confined space hazards and disturbing the scene. Stemilt Growers was fined over $76,000 for two violations related to confined space rules.
Pace International, now in the severe violator program, is appealing the fines. Stemilt Growers did not file an appeal.
Money collected from fines goes into the workers’ compensation supplemental pension fund, aiding workers and families of those who have died on the job.
Renee Diaz reports for NWPB in collaboration with The Wenatchee World and the Murrow College of Communication Local News Fellowship Program.
