RICHMOND, VA –
In a devastating incident that underscores the criticality of workplace safety, a Lowe’s employee tragically lost his life due to an accident involving falling boards. This unfortunate event has shed light on the indispensable need for strict adherence to safety protocols in retail environments.

The victim, identified as Steven Houff, a 54-year-old employee, was involved in a fatal accident on April 23 at the Lowe’s store situated on Richmond Avenue. According to a report by the Virginia Occupational Safety and Health (VOSH), Houff was restocking merchandise when approximately two dozen melamine boards, each measuring 15 feet in length, unexpectedly fell on him. At the time of the incident, he was approximately eight feet high on an elevated shelf. The boards struck Houff, causing him to fall backward and hit his head on the shelving unit across the aisle, resulting in severe fractures and lacerations that tragically led to his untimely demise.

Following a thorough investigation by VOSH, it was revealed that there was a critical safety lapse in the incident. Houff was working without a connected safety cable, which is specifically designed to prevent materials from sliding or falling. This oversight directly led to the boards dislodging from the shelving and tragically striking Houff.

In the aftermath of this tragic incident, Lowe’s Home Improvement Centers, LLC, has been cited for a “serious” violation by VOSH, which includes a fine of $14,270. The citation was issued due to the failure to ensure the safety chain remained in place. Lowe’s is currently contesting the citation, and the case remains open as per the Virginia Department of Labor and Industry. As of early Wednesday morning, Lowe’s had not responded to requests for comment.

Apart from his tenure at Lowe’s, Steven Houff had a distinguished career with the Virginia Department of Corrections, serving for 32 years and attaining the rank of lieutenant, as mentioned in his obituary.

In the wake of this tragic incident, VOSH has strongly recommended that Lowe’s enforce its “Securing Vertically Stored Products” safety rule. This rule is specifically intended to prevent similar accidents by ensuring that all restocking activities adhere to stringent safety guidelines. Additionally, VOSH has emphasized the need to re-train employees on these safety protocols to effectively prevent future incidents.

This heartbreaking incident serves as a solemn reminder of the utmost importance of implementing and adhering to safety measures in the workplace. Negligence in this regard can have profound impacts on the lives of individuals and communities alike.

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