Wilcox Farms cited over deadly silo collapse

The state has fined Wilcox Farms in Roy for safety violations that led to a fatal silo collapse.

Steve Green, 44, was buried in more than 400 tons of corn in December 2013.

The Department of Labor & Industries cited Wilcox for one “willful” and two “serious” safety violations, carrying penalties of $67,200. The investigation found the company didn’t adequately train its employees and manage and maintain the silo.

Wilcox supplies eggs throughout the Northwest and the mill mixes corn, wheat and other grains into chicken feed.

Wilcox has 15 days to appeal the citation.

“While we are thankful for Washington State Labor & Industries Department’s cooperation and for their always working towards a safer working environment, we are reviewing their findings and are in the process of looking at all of our options,” Wilcox said in a statement on Wednesday. “Going forward as always, workplace and food safety has been and continues to be a high priority. We have allocated additional internal and third party resources to review our procedures and equipment. In addition, we’re doing everything possible to insure the safety and structure of the mill.”

The farm said it is working with a firm to rebuild a safe mill they hope to have operating by the end of 2014. In the meantime, Stiebrs, National, and Valley Fresh are supplying its hens with feed.

Wilcox said it is dedicating a memorial at the feed mill to honor Green on Saturday, June 7.

“Steven will be sorely missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him and working with him,” Wilcox said in the statement. “He was a great employee and we value his contributions to Wilcox Family Farms. We cannot imagine what the family is going through but our thoughts and our hearts are with them each and every day.”