Oregon man dies at steel plant

Published 3:57 pm Saturday, July 13, 2013

CANBY, Ore. — Police in the town of Canby, Ore., say a 55-year-old man was killed Friday at a steel fabrication and processing plant when a 1,600-pound steel plate fell from a clamp and landed on him.

Police Chief Bret Smith said James Scruggs of Silverton was a 16-year employee of BBC Steel Corp.

The Oregonian reported that six fellow employees rushed to help and lifted the plate off the man. They then began CPR.

Canby Fire District crews initially called for a helicopter ambulance, then canceled and called for a medical examiner.

BBC Steel co-owner Diana Boyer said Scruggs was “a very good employee.”

The state Occupational Safety and Health Division was notified and began an investigation.

Canby is south of Portland.