New safety procedures are being put into place after a UW Physical Plant employee died last spring while working at the Art Lofts, according to a University of Wisconsin-Madison news release.
Kenneth Newman, 63, died Tuesday, April 16 when a loading dock lift fell as he was making repairs at the Art Lofts on North Frances St.
An investigation into the incident revealed an inappropriate method was used to block the lift and a safety mechanism intended for the situation was not used, according to the release. It also disclosed new training and policy changes that are necessary to ensure effective training of university staff.
Several new changes to increase worker safety will include requiring the UW Physical Plant to complete a job hazard assessment for its employees, and taking extra steps to ensure training is offered as well as documented.
Furthermore, the university will implement an employee pairing system, which will allow workers to observe each other as a way to make sure safe practices are being used.
