Duckels Construction Inc. owner posed safety hazards, injured employee
Employers: Duckels Construction Inc., Fred Duckels, owner
Actions: U.S. Mine Safety and Health Act consent order and judgment
Court: U.S. District Court of Colorado
Investigation findings: On Oct. 13, 2023, Judge John L. Kane entered an agreed consent order and judgment requiring Duckels Construction Inc. to prevent owner Fred Duckels from entering the mining site permanently until he completes and provides proof of mandatory safety training. After an investigation by the Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration, the mine owner was ordered to stay away from the Steamboat Springs mining site after MSHA learned he had failed to comply with mandatory safety training. Despite the order, Duckels continued to work at the mine and was involved in several near misses and reportedly injured a worker with an excavator.
Quote: “Miners already face many life-threatening hazards in addition to operators refusing to comply with federal requirements,” said Regional Solicitor John Rainwater in Denver. “The U.S. Department of Labor will continue to hold operators accountable and ensure that all federal safety requirements — including completing required training — are met.”
Learn more about MSHA.
U.S. Department of Labor v. Duckels Construction Inc., Fred Duckels
Case number 1:23-cv-02248
Agency
Mine Safety & Health Administration
DateOctober 18, 2023
Release Number 23-2258-DAL
Media Contact: Chauntra Rideaux
Phone Number 972-850-4710
Email rideaux.chauntra.d@dol.gov
Media Contact: Juan Rodriguez
Phone Number 972-850-4709
Email rodriguez.juan@dol.gov