An employee at Kaiser Aluminum’s Kalamazoo facility passed away following a workplace incident, prompting an investigation by the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA).
According to a MIOSHA report, the 43-year-old maintenance technician was welding inside a pneumatically powered scrap chute when the pneumatic clamshell closed, causing injuries that proved fatal.
Kaiser Aluminum spokesperson Jill Gaul confirmed the incident and said the company is cooperating with local and federal authorities as the investigation continues. She added that the company is not currently in a position to provide further details.
“Everyone at Kaiser Aluminum is deeply saddened and our thoughts are with the family, in addition to the welfare of all of our employees,” Gaul said. The company has also arranged counselling services for employees.
Kaiser Aluminum’s Kalamazoo facility is located in the Midlink Business Park area, near the I-94 and South Sprinkle Road interchange. The company operates a major casting and extrusion manufacturing facility at 5205 Kaiser Drive.