2 companies fined after workplace fatality

HOWARD, Wis. (AP) — Two companies involved in an industrial accident that killed an Appleton man have been cited for violations of federal safety rules.

The accident occurred Dec. 2 at Hattiesburg Paper Co. in Green Bay when a forklift struck and toppled a lift that had hoisted two men 30 feet off the ground. One died and the other was critically injured.

The Post-Crescent of Appleton report says the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration fined Hattiesburg Paper and Faith Technologies Inc.

Faith Technologies is a Menasha-based contractor that had employed both men to perform maintenance work inside the plant.

Hattiesburg will pay $8,600. A message left with the company Friday was not immediately returned.

Faith Technologies is contesting its $7,000 fine. Spokesman Tom Clark said the company remains committed to safety.

Information from: The Post-Crescent, http://www.postcrescent.com