Trucking contractor killed in accidental fall at EVRAZ

A freak accident led to the death of a truck driver who was in Pueblo at the EVRAZ Rocky Mountain Steel Mill on Jan. 4 to pick up a load for transport.

The victim was identified as James Fiddler, 55, of Tennessee, according to Pueblo County Coroner Brian Cotter. Fiddler was at the mill picking up a load when he fell off the semi-truck bed, according to Eric Ludwig, president of the United Steelworkers 2102 Union in Pueblo.

Fiddler was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead, Cotter reported. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the death.

“We are saddened to report that a fatality of a third-party contractor has occurred at our Pueblo facility. We are working with OSHA and the primary employer to investigate this matter,” said Annie Stefanec, director of communications for EVRAZ North America.

“Our deepest condolences go out to the family during this difficult time,” Stefanec said.

Event marks second accident at EVRAZ in the past year

The recent incident at EVRAZ marks the second accident involving injuries at the mill in less than a year. On May 29, an explosion in the arc furnace sent eight employees to the hospital for treatment.