Inspection Detail

Inspection: 310584784 - O&S Cattle Company

Inspection Information - Office: Bismarck Area Office

Investigation Summary

At approximately 10:30 a.m. on August 16, 2006, Employee #1 was purchasing cattle for his employer, O&S Cattle Company, at Hub City Livestock Auction Sale Barn, in Aberdeen, South Dakota. Twenty cattle weighing between 1,350 pounds and 1,400 pounds had been released from a holding pen and were being moved down a runway to the sale barn. A Holstein breed steer (a black and white neutered bull with horns removed) turned from the herd and ran back towards the holding pen. The steer lost its balance while rounding the corner to the holding pen. The corner was concrete, but it had rained the night before and there was cattle manure mixed with cattle urine at this location, creating a slippery sludge. The steer slid and hit the cattle gate taking the gate off its two hinges and lock, and propelling it into Employee #1 who was behind the barrier gate. The gate struck the employee in the head and knocked him to the concrete with a double contusion. The employee was taken to Avera St. Lukes Hospital in Aberdeen, South Dakota, in an unconscious state. He received three brain related surgeries, but never regained consciousness. Employee #1 died on December 16, 2006.

Keywords: HEAD, STRUCK BY, FLYING OBJECT