Minnesota Trucking Company Hit with Massive Fine for Worker’s Death

St. Paul, MN (KROC-AM News)- State regulators have issued a massive fine against a Minnesota trucking company in connection to the death of a worker earlier this year. 

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The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) announced the large penalty on Wednesday. Minnesota OSHA also issued 10 citations against the company in July. 

The state agency has fined Rosemount-based Wayne Transportations $621,600. The fine stems from the death of a worker in March of 2024 at the business’s facility in Virginia, MN. 

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State officials allege the trucking firm did not meet safety requirements for confined working spaces at the northern Minnesota trucking terminal. Minnesota OSHA’s inspection found the employee died while working in a confined space. 

"Work processes must be designed with the goal of eliminating workplace injuries and illnesses, and workers must be properly trained about how to perform their work safely," said DLI Commissioner Nicole Blissenbach. "Before work is performed in a confined space, employers must evaluate the elements of that space and ensure they have a comprehensive plan to protect their employees from potential hazards." 

The agency also accused Wayne Transports of failing to adequately train employees for entering confined spaces, setting procedures to ensure safe entry into confined areas and other violations. 

Wayne Transports has filed a note to contest the massive fine, the news release says.

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