The federal government’s occupational safety and health administration (OSHA) has proposed assessing a $531,268 fine following the death of Travis Thelander, a 34-year-old man with ties to Superior.
He died Sept. 12, at the CHS Agri-Service Center elevator, after corn enveloped and suffocated him as he tried to empty a grain bin in preparation for the fall harvest.
OSHA investigators found Thelander’s employer, CHS Inc., disregarded federal regulations designed to prevent such tragedies and found his protective equipment did not adequately protect him.
Inspectors also determined CHS Inc., failed to equip Thelander with an adequate body harness and lifeline that co-workers could have used to rescue him.
Investigators found the company had a lifeline tripod-on-site, but the device was not designed for side entry. The company had no alternative method available to protect workers in silos.
Thelander was the son of Calvin and Polly (Green) Thelander. He was the father of four children, Briley and triplets, Lane, Harlan and Creighton. Survivors included his father, Calvin Thelander of Superior, and three children, Briley, Harlan and Creighton.
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