York, South Carolina, January 22, 2026
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is investigating the tragic death of a 35-year-old man who fell at a manufacturing facility in York, South Carolina. The victim, Stewart Campbell, succumbed to injuries sustained during the incident. The facility, owned by Meritor, Inc., a part of Cummins power solutions, reported the incident, which is currently under investigation by OSHA and local authorities. This case highlights the ongoing concerns regarding workplace safety and the need for effective safety protocols to prevent similar incidents in the future.
York, South Carolina – OSHA Investigates Fatal Workplace Fall
YORK, S.C. – The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is investigating the death of a 35-year-old man who fell at a manufacturing facility in York, South Carolina. The incident occurred on the evening of February 27, 2025, at the Meritor, Inc. plant, which is part of the Cummins power solutions company. The victim, identified as Stewart Campbell, was transported to Piedmont Medical Center in Rock Hill, where he later died from injuries sustained in the fall. An autopsy confirmed that the cause of death was due to injuries suffered in the fall. OSHA has opened an investigation into the incident, as all workplace fatalities must be reported to OSHA. Investigations typically take six to eight weeks. The York Police Department responded to the scene but is not currently involved in the investigation. The investigation by state and county officials continues as they seek to determine the circumstances surrounding Campbell’s death.
OSHA’s Role and Reporting Requirements
OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, is responsible for ensuring safe and healthy working conditions for employees. Employers are required to notify OSHA when an employee is killed on the job or suffers a work-related hospitalization, amputation, or loss of an eye. A fatality must be reported within 8 hours. Employers can report incidents online or by calling the South Carolina OSHA office at (803) 896-7672. The report should include the business name, names of employees affected, location and time of the incident, a brief description of the incident, and a contact person with a phone number. Detailed information about reporting requirements can be found on the South Carolina OSHA website.
Background on Workplace Fall Incidents
Workplace falls are a significant concern in occupational safety. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are among the leading causes of fatal and non-fatal injuries in the workplace. In South Carolina, there have been several notable incidents involving workplace falls. For example, in 1988, an 18-year-old male sheet metal helper died after falling 33 feet through a skylight opening to a concrete floor. In 1993, a 48-year-old male painter/sandblaster died of injuries received after falling 30 feet from scaffolding inside a water tank. These incidents highlight the importance of implementing and adhering to safety protocols to prevent falls in the workplace.
Preventive Measures and Safety Protocols
Employers are encouraged to implement comprehensive safety programs that include regular training, proper equipment maintenance, and adherence to OSHA standards to prevent workplace falls. Employees should be trained to recognize potential fall hazards and use appropriate fall protection equipment. Regular safety audits and prompt reporting of unsafe conditions can also contribute to a safer work environment. For more information on fall prevention and safety protocols, resources are available on the South Carolina OSHA website.
Conclusion
The investigation into the fatal workplace fall in York, South Carolina, underscores the critical importance of workplace safety and the need for strict adherence to safety protocols. OSHA’s ongoing investigation aims to determine the specific circumstances of the incident and to prevent similar occurrences in the future. Employers and employees alike are reminded of the importance of maintaining a safe working environment to prevent such tragedies.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is OSHA’s role in workplace safety?
OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, is responsible for ensuring safe and healthy working conditions for employees. Employers are required to notify OSHA when an employee is killed on the job or suffers a work-related hospitalization, amputation, or loss of an eye. A fatality must be reported within 8 hours. Employers can report incidents online or by calling the South Carolina OSHA office at (803) 896-7672. The report should include the business name, names of employees affected, location and time of the incident, a brief description of the incident, and a contact person with a phone number. Detailed information about reporting requirements can be found on the South Carolina OSHA website.
How can employers prevent workplace falls?
Employers are encouraged to implement comprehensive safety programs that include regular training, proper equipment maintenance, and adherence to OSHA standards to prevent workplace falls. Employees should be trained to recognize potential fall hazards and use appropriate fall protection equipment. Regular safety audits and prompt reporting of unsafe conditions can also contribute to a safer work environment. For more information on fall prevention and safety protocols, resources are available on the South Carolina OSHA website.
What should employees do if they notice unsafe conditions?
Employees should promptly report unsafe conditions to their employer or directly to OSHA. The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 gives employees and their representatives the right to file a complaint and request an OSHA inspection of their workplace if they believe there is a serious hazard or their employer is not following OSHA standards. Workers do not have to know whether a specific OSHA standard has been violated in order to file a complaint. The complaint should be filed as soon as possible after noticing the hazard or lack of compliance because OSHA citations may only be issued for violations that currently exist or existed in the past 6 months. Complaints can be filed online or by contacting the South Carolina OSHA office.
What are the reporting requirements for workplace fatalities in South Carolina?
Employers are required to notify OSHA when an employee is killed on the job or suffers a work-related hospitalization, amputation, or loss of an eye. A fatality must be reported within 8 hours. Employers can report incidents online or by calling the South Carolina OSHA office at (803) 896-7672. The report should include the business name, names of employees affected, location and time of the incident, a brief description of the incident, and a contact person with a phone number. Detailed information about reporting requirements can be found on the South Carolina OSHA website.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | York, South Carolina |
| Incident Date | February 27, 2025 |
| Victim’s Age | 35 years old |
| Victim’s Name | Stewart Campbell |
| Employer | Meritor, Inc. (part of Cummins power solutions) |
| Cause of Death | Injuries sustained in a fall |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing by OSHA |
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