A 36-year-old employee of Carlson Tool and Manufacturing died from injuries sustained in an industrial accident at the company’s Mequon plant.
Steve Volkmann, of West Bend, was injured by an industrial lathe March 15 and died Thursday. Ozaukee County coroner Tim Deppisch said an autopsy was being conducted and a final determination was pending toxicology results. He said Volkmann did sustain a head injury.
“We are deeply saddened by this tragedy, and we again extend our heartfelt prayers and condolences to his family,” said Jerry Edquist, Carlson Tool and Manufacturing chief executive officer. “He was very well liked by his colleagues and will be missed by those who knew him. We offer our individual and collective sympathy to his family and friends.”
The company has set up a fund at BMO Harris Bank to assist the family. Donations to the “Steve Volkmann Memorial Fund” can be mailed or delivered in person to any area BMO Harris branch office.
“All of us are saddened by his passing, and we are providing support and counseling on site to our workers on an as needed basis. We continue to cooperate with the officials as they collect information about the accident,” Edquist said.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration records indicate an investigation has been opened, but a message left at the administration’s Milwaukee office was not immediately returned.
OSHA records indicate the company paid a $2,500 penalty in 2014 for a violation related to the control of hazardous energy and lockout/tagout procedures. In 2010 the company paid a $700 penalty for a violation related to general machine requirements. Both violations were resolved through informal settlements.
