Goodyear Confirms Death of Fourth Worker in One Year

This morning, a worker named William Scheier died in an industrial accident at the Goodyear Tire and Rubber plant in Danville, Virginia. It was the fourth fatality at the plant during the past year, state officials told Reuters.

Goodyear released a statement, saying:

We regret to report that early this morning, a death occurred in the Goodyear-Danville manufacturing facility. Goodyear’s on-site emergency response team, as well as local emergency personnel responded immediately, and all parties are cooperating in the investigation into the root cause of the incident. Goodyear has reported the incident to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and will fully cooperate with the organization. Our hearts go out to the family, friends and co-workers of the employee during this very difficult time.

Investigations into the three previous deaths at the Danville plant are still ongoing. Virginia Occupational Safety and Health Program issued $16,975 in fines related to the death of Jeanie Lynne Strader in August 2015. Goodyear is contesting the fines, according to Reuters.

WDBJ reports that the plant hasn’t been issued any citations in connection with the deaths of Greg Cooper on April 12, 2016 or Kevin Edmonds on March 31, 2016. The plant shut down for several days after the two deaths in the span of two weeks earlier this year.

Goodyear is Danville’s largest employer.