A Doe Run employee died Saturday while working at the Boss Resource Recycling facility in Iron County, according to Iron County Coroner Tim Harbison.
Harbison told The Salem News Monday that Jerry Baker, 58, of Salem, lost his life approximately 9 p.m. Saturday as a result of a head trauma received from a fall. He said the incident is being investigated as a work-place accident. An autopsy was performed Sunday, and a full report will be ready for release in eight to 10 weeks.
Baker was a 12-year employee at the Resource Recycling facility. He was also a retired veteran of the United States Navy.
A Monday statement submitted to The Salem News by Doe Run states:
“Doe Run is deeply saddened to report that Saturday evening, March 16, Jerry Baker, an employee of Doe Run’s Resource Recycling facility in Boss, Missouri, was fatally injured at the company’s recycling plant. Baker sustained injuries that appear to be related to a fall from a catwalk in the waste loadout area of the plant. An employee of the plant discovered Baker unconscious and unresponsive. Emergency rescue personnel were immediately notified and pronounced Baker dead at the scene. He was transported to Iron County by the county coroner.
“’We are shocked and saddened by this tragic loss,’” said Anthony Staley, general manager of the Resource Recycling facility. “Jerry was a valuable team member and friend, and we will miss him greatly. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and co-workers. Safety is always our first priority, and we are working with all appropriate authorities to investigate and understand this tragic accident.”
The Doe Run statement concludes that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is investigating to identify the cause of the incident.
