The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration has fined Mid-Ohio Forklifts USD9,557 for a violation that resulted in a technician being crushed to death under a forklift he was servicing.

The Times-Reporter reports that Gregory A. Smith, 51, of Deerfield died after being crushed when a forklift that he was servicing fell on him last August at Premere Enterprises in Lawrence Township.

OSHA cited Mid-Ohio for not cribbing, blocking or otherwise securing the forklift once it was raised.

A report from the Tuscarawas County Sheriff's Office said the forklift's parking brake was disengaged and the machine's gear selector appeared to be in the neutral position. There did not appear to be any chocking blocks or anything else to prevent the machine from moving forward or in reverse.

In the wake of the incident, OSHA has confirmed that the Akron company has taken corrective action. It has audited technicians, safety equipment and procedures. Additional safety equipment has been purchased, replaced and upgraded. The employer has increased oversight and quality, safety inspections and audits of field service technicians.