OSHA Investigating Man's Death After Work Injury In Stillwater

Stillwater MN

17 March, 2022

10:18 AM

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STILLWATER, MN — State officials are investigating a St. Michael man's death after he was mortally injured on the job in downtown Stillwater, a spokesperson for the Minnesota Occupational Safety and Health Administration confirmed to Patch on Wednesday. Terry Westemeier died March 5 — his 55th birthday — several days after he was injured at a construction site, the Twin Cities Pioneer Press reported, citing police. Westemeier was sucked into a high-powered vacuum hose March 2 on the site of the former Chestnut Building, which is due to become a $24.5 million luxury apartment complex, according to the report. Stillwater Superintendent Search Draws 18 Applicants: Report Westemeier was the owner of St. Michael-based PIC Hydro-Vac, which he launched in 2020, Twin Cities Pioneer Press reports. Minnesota OSHA officials launched an investigation after they were notified March 7 of Westemeier's on-the-job death, according to James Honerman, communications director for the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry, which runs the state's OSHA office. Mahtomedi Skier 'Honored' To Represent US At 2022 Paralympics Honerman told Patch there is not a "set timeframe" for the investigation to be completed. Officials will investigate to "determine the cause of such accidents and whether existing OSHA standards were violated to help avoid a recurrence of similar accidents," Honerman said. Westemeier, who served for four years in the U.S. Navy, is survived by his wife, four children and two grandchildren, according to his obituary. A celebration of Westemeier's life was held March 13 at the Cremation Society of Minnesota in Brooklyn Park. REGIONAL NEWS: Stillwater High Grad Wins 3 Medals At 2022 Winter ParalympicsBest STEM High Schools In MN: See Where Stillwater Schools RankUST Prof From Ukraine Sending First Aid, Ambulances To FrontlinesUkraine Fundraiser In Stillwater Nets $6K For Relief Efforts