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A major tragedy occurred at Caterpillar’s Mappleton, Illinois, USA foundry earlier this month when Steven Dierkes lost his life on the fifth day of his new job.
He fell into the molten iron vessel and died on the spot.
Steven Dierkes’ death is the second such workplace incident in 7 months at the plant, and he reportedly did not have the proper training to be near the metal melter.
Officials said the Mappleton Caterpillar plant has violated safety rules several times in the past decade. When 39-year-old Dierkes, who was born in Peoria, fell into the melter, temperatures reached 1,000 degrees Celsius.
An experienced foundry worker named Ron (the name is a pseudonym to protect his identity), said Dierkes was trying to get a sample of molten metal for testing.
This was a routine procedure, but due to lack of experience the unfortunate employee had fallen into the melting pot.
Forensic medicine that came later to the plant had to recover the remains of his body from the melting pot. The sight of their dead colleague was traumatizing for the employees who witnessed it.
The Mapleton foundry produces a range of metal castings for engines such as gaskets, pistons, liners and other parts.
According to the daily Journal Star, on December 23 last year, employee Scott Adams also lost his life at this plant after falling from a height of 7 meters. Scott was an electrician installing new appliances.
Reports say that since the UAW group sold the plant to Caterpillar in the 1990s, the complex has been the scene of several serious health and safety violations. Since 1994-95, a restructuring of work and staff has brought reductions in wages and worsening working conditions at the plant, local media reports.
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