Oregon OSHA investigated young worker death

By Oregon OSHA

In November 2025, Oregon OSHA completed a fatality investigation involving the tragic death of a young worker at a construction site in Oregon City.

This story summarizes the details of the investigation of the death of an 18-year-old worker. In a future story, there will be a focus on how these devastating losses impact not only the family and friends but an entire community.

After Oregon OSHA completed its fatality investigation, the division issued a citation to the employer for a serious violation for failing to use “all means and methods” to address struck-by or caught-between hazards. The citation carried a penalty of $31,632. Oregon OSHA determined the violation “caused or contributed to” a work-related fatality. The employer has filed an appeal of the citation.

Oregon OSHA’s investigation centered on a fatal incident that occurred on July 23, 2025. The worker was lying prone on the pavement, removing sediment from several in-road water valve boxes, according to Oregon OSHA’s investigation. He was fatally struck by a front-end wheel loader that had entered an intersection.

The employer could have implemented safe means or methods to ensure the worker’s safety as he worked at his assigned task, according to Oregon OSHA’s investigation.

Examples of safety measures include implementing traffic control measures (such as cones, barricades, escort vehicle, or signage) to restrict vehicle access to the work area; providing a dedicated spotter to monitor approaching vehicles or equipment; or establishing and enforcing safe work practices for employees working on foot within equipment travel routes, such as a designated pedestrian-free zone, communication protocols between equipment operators and ground-based employees, or scheduling ground-based employee work activities during non-traffic periods.

Oregon OSHA conducted its investigation from July 23, 2025 to Nov. 24, 2025. The citation was issued on Dec. 22, 2025. Oregon OSHA also cited the employer for two “other than serious” violations involving heat illness prevention requirements.

The loss of this young worker will never be forgotten and accidents like these must be prevented.

To learn more about this incident see the federal OSHA report or this news article.