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OSHA fines Idaho tree-trimming company after deadly accident

Accident left one employee dead, another hurt
Posted at 7:51 AM, Aug 21, 2019
and last updated 2019-08-21 09:51:11-04

BURLEY, Idaho — A southern Idaho tree-trimming company is facing fines after an employee is killed in an accident.

The Times-News reports the Occupational Safety and Health Administration fined Tree Trouble of Burley nearly $14,800 but reduced it to $12,000 after reaching a settlement. OSHA cited the company for several issues after the work platform of a bucket truck fell about 65 feet last November.

The accident killed 28-year-old Corbin Bowers and left 26-year-old Emmet Koyle hurt. OSHA says the bucket the men were in had stress cracks, and critical components had not been inspected, repaired or maintained to standards.

The company was also cited for not reporting the work-related death within eight hours. Tree Trouble owner Scott Yates says he's "trying to learn from my mistakes."