Virginia Firm Fined $185K for Wood Chipper Accident That Killed Teen

A Poquoson, Virginia company is facing $185,500 in proposed civil penalties stemming from a wood chipper accident that killed a 14-year-old worker.

The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry’s Occupational Safety and Health Compliance department issued two citations against Old Dominion Tree and Lawn Care Specialists Inc.

Old Dominion has 15 days to contest the citations or pay the penalties.

Authorities say Frank Anthony Gornik was using a shovel to drop debris into the wood chipper’s hopper when he was pulled into the machine.

The accident occurred in November.

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