Man killed in accident at SPI mill in Quincy

Dan McDonald

Staff Writer

Updated 7/17/2012

Man killed in accident at SPI mill identified

A log-truck driver killed Monday morning, July 16, during an accident at Sierra Pacific Industries’ lumber mill in Quincy was identified by the Plumas County Sheriff’s Office on Tuesday as Todd Walker, 47, of Red Bluff.

7/16/2012

According to SPI Division Manager Chris Skinner, the driver was crushed by a log while he was unwrapping his load in the unloading station.

Skinner said the preliminary investigation indicated that the truck’s stanchions were not in place when a log rolled off the top of the load and struck the driver.

Stanchions are metal support arms on the side of the truck’s bed, used to keep the logs from rolling. According to a logging safety field guide, putting the stanchions in place is the driver’s responsibility.

Skinner said the driver also owned the truck. His name and age had not been released as of Monday afternoon.

Plumas County Sheriff Greg Hagwood said the sheriff’s office is conducting a coroner’s investigation. He said the office of California Occupational Safety (OSHA) had been notified.

Recently posted articles

Comments

+25#1Re: mill accident — Portola Resident2012-07-16 14:11

My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of this person... such a tragic accident :(

Quote| Report to administrator

+19#2Dangerous job — Former SPI employee2012-07-16 17:25

I worked there for 3 years, and saw two men die. You can never let your guard down, and even then, chances of getting hurt or killed are very high. I feel for the family of a man working very hard who won't be coming home!

Quote| Report to administrator

+4#3Log Procurement Manager — Craig Gregson2012-07-19 12:18

I am a forester who buys logs for a sawmill. Our plant has a unwrapping station that all drivers are required to use. I would like to get more details on the accident in an effort to use the information to make our procedures more safe. Thanks you.

Quote| Report to administrator

+4#4RE: Man killed in accident at SPI mill in Quincy — Helen PItkin2012-07-20 09:26

Thank you everyone for the kind words. His family is devastated, He was a great person. It makes us think to always live every day to the fullest and always treat people kindly, you never know if you will have the opportunity to tell someone how you really feel.

Todd's Aunt Helen

Quote| Report to administrator

+1#5Walker's & Pitkin's ... my thoughts are with you — Bryan Teske2012-07-23 15:46

I was heartbroken today when I heard this news.

I remember running around thru green pastures with Todd, Brannon, and Shelly, as kids. I will always have fond memories of those days.

Todd's cousin, thru Gladys Pitkin.

Quote| Report to administrator

Refresh comments list
RSS feed for comments to this post

Add comment

Feather Publishing encourages civil discussion on news stories that are important to our community. We do ask that commenters follow certain rules of conduct. Keep your comments on the topic at hand. Threats, insults, lies, and inappropriate language are prohibited. Just as with our letters to the editor we want you to be accountable for your comments so we ask that you use your full real name. We reserve the right to delete any comments that do not comply with these rules of conduct. Commenters who repeatedly do not comply will be prohibited from posting further comments.
Comments are limited to 300 characters. If you would like to post a longer message, please submit a letter to the editor. Submit a letter to the editor. Letters to the editor are limited to a maximum of 300 words. Deadline for submittal is noon on Thursdays.

JComments

Move

Sports Headlines

Top Headline

Other Headlines

Greenville loses to American Christian

Greenville’s James Martinez rounds third and gives his coach Mike Chelotti a high five after hitting a homer during the Indians’ game against American Christian...

175 mile Sierra Nevada Relay to run through Plumas County

This gorgeous view of mountains towering over a valley is one of many that runners in the upcoming Sierra Nevada Relay will encounter. The relay starts at Donner...

Fishing Report for the week of 5/16/2013

Unsettled weather has ended; time to hit the water Ben Williams, a Lake Almanor Fly Fishing Company Guide landed this monster rainbow from Goodrich Creek near...