Worker killed while operating aluminum press at BRT Extrusions

Staff report

NILES

A worker at BRT Extrusions, 1818 N. Main St., was killed when he was crushed in an aluminum press he was operating at 8:41 p.m. Tuesday.

The Niles Police Department identified him as Daniel Banks, 49, of West Market Street in Leavittsburg.

Roy Smith, president of BRT Extrusions, said in an email, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.” He said he could not comment further.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is conducting an investigation into the accident to determine whether BRT was following all safety procedures, said spokesman Scott Allen in Chicago.

Two investigators are interviewing potential witnesses and talking to employees and company officials regarding safety measures in place at the time of the incident, Allen said.

Allen noted that OSHA has conducted previous investigations at BRT Extrusions. In 2007 and 2009, the company was cited for machine-guard violations, Allen said.

Banks was transported to St. Elizabeth Health Center by ambulance. The Mahoning County Coroner’s Office is conducting an investigation, but no information was available Wednesday afternoon, a spokesperson said.

BRT Extrusions produces aluminum extrusions in various standard shapes and custom designs in several grades of aluminum alloys and tempers, according to its website.