KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- MFA Inc. is facing multiple penalties and violations after investigations revealed a lack of several safety requirements that left a worker killed by "grain engulfment." According to investigators with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), back in May 2024, three employees with MFA Inc. were operating an MFA rail car and removing corn screenings from a bin at the company's Hamilton facility. Minor charged as adult in connection to deadly shooting of 11-year-old Reports said one worker entered the bin to clear the screenings but they shifted, causing him to become engulfed in the grain. Another employee attempted to rescue his co-worker but became trapped up to their waist in the grain. The employee then had to wait to be rescued by the local fire department. Investigations from OSHA concluded that the grain operative had made several violations, including not completing a "required bin entry permit" before allowing workers to clear the screenings and allowing the conveyor to continue running with the bin's bottom gate open. This increases the risk of the grain shifting which causes the worker to become engulfed. OSHA also found that the employer did not have the proper rescue equipment which resulted in the worker not wearing a harness and lifeline. “By neglecting basic safety standards, MFA Rail Car put their workers at serious risk,” said OSHA Area Director Karena Lorek in Kansas City, Missouri. “Through its outreach and alliance efforts, OSHA works closely with industry partners to educate employers and workers about the critical importance of grain bin safety and reminds all employers to never become complacent in this highly hazardous industry.” Nearby homes evacuated as police respond to armed standoff in Pleasant Valley According to the Department of Labor, OSHA cited MFA Inc. six violations and proposed penalties of $241,887 for multiple safety failures. These include: Lacking adequate rescue equipment on site when workers entered bins. Failing to protect employees from falls on walking working surfaces. Not verifying that mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic equipment inside grain storage structures were deenergized, locked out and tagged to prevent operation when workers entered. Allowing workers to enter a bin without completing the permit process. Not testing the bin’s atmosphere before workers entered. Not providing a harness and lifeline positioned to prevent the employee from sinking deeper than waist-deep in the grain. MFA Inc. has 15 business days from the proposed citations and penalties to comply, speak with OSHA's area director, or combat the findings with OSHA's review commission.