January 8, 2009
- Pasco, Washington
JUB Fined for Deadly Airport Accident
By Chelsea Kopta
RICHLAND -- Bill Talbott was buried alive at the Pasco airport when a trench gave way last winter. Now, the state is fining his employer, JUB Engineers, just $1,500 for putting employees at risk.
"I just keep little memories around just so I, you know, I don't forget him," Bill's wife, Sandy, said. On the mantle, the walls, the fridge...these are the places Bill Talbott is remembered six months after he died finishing a job at the Pasco airport. "We haven't changed anything around here," Sandy said. "We don't want to," Bill's daughter," JeNeane, said. "Now I'm in the realization that it's real, that's where I'm at," JeNeane said. "That he's really gone and he's not coming back." JeNeane and Sandy lean on each other and friends to get through their hardest moments. Time helps. "It's just not the same," Sandy said. But they still don't have closure, even knowing Bill's company JUB Engineers will be fined $1,500 for hazards that put their family - and other employees - at risk. Labor and Industries reported JUB Engineers did not have a written accident plan for workers at the airport. They also stated workers may not know how to do their jobs in dangerous situations. "Maybe things should have been different but I'm just not a begrudging person, I don't like to hold a grudge against anybody," Sandy said. Labor and Industries said fines are based on the severity of the hazard and how many workers could have been exposed to it. JUB is considered a small company, so they were hit with a smaller fine. "No amount of money can make up for the loss of the life but our penalties and calculations are based on our findings, not one the fact that somebody die," L & I spokesperson Elaine Fischer said. "Even though it's a tragedy, somebody else will be safer because of this," Sandy said. JUB has to fix the problems, like posting signs out at the airport. But the company can appeal the fine. They have a few weeks to do that. Our calls to JUB have not been returned. |
YouNews
This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled.
Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.
Resources and info you need to prepare for the switch to DTV. Stay Connected |
Connect with KEPRMost Popular
|
You
