A local business is mourning the loss of an employee after a workplace accident Thursday.
A spokesperson for W.E.L., Inc. says Charles McFadden died during a structure demolition project in Bonsack. McFadden worked for the company for nine years.
The company says internal and external investigations are still on going.
Here is the press release:
It is with deep regret, and heavy hearts, that we confirm the passing of one of our most valued employees, and colleagues, Charles McFadden, due to an unfortunate, and tragic, industrial accident that occurred on April 20, 2017, during a structure demolition project, in Bonsack, VA.
Mr. McFadden was an employee of W.E.L., Inc. for nine (9) years, and will be deeply missed as a friend to all that worked with him.
Out thoughts, prayers, and support, are with his family, and friends during this difficult time, and we ask that all that knew Charles, to please do the same.
The internal, and external, investigations into this tragic accident are on going, and W.E.L., Inc., will continue to fully cooperate, and support all applicable agencies involved.
=============
Worker for Concord firm dies in industrial accident
Rachel Mahoney
April 21, 2017
A worker for a Concord-based company died in an industrial accident during a structure demolition project Thursday in Roanoke County, company officials said.
Charles McFadden, 53, of Appomattox, was working for W.E.L. Incorporated on the project in Bonsack, according to a news release from the company.
He had worked for the company for nine years “and will be deeply missed as a friend to all that worked with him,” the company said.
Emergency responders were called to a report of a commercial structure collapse Thursday at about 11:15 a.m. in the area of Layman Road. Police and EMS from Botetourt and Roanoke counties went to the scene. Roanoke County Fire & Rescue spokeswoman Jennifer Conley Sexton said one person was taken to a hospital.
The company said there are ongoing internal and external investigations into the accident, and the company “will continue to fully cooperate, and support all applicable agencies involved.”
The Virginia Department of Labor and Industry’s Occupational Safety and Health division is investigating the nature of the incident and whether any safety regulations had been violated, said Lee Willis, the department’s southwest region safety director. The company contacted the department Thursday afternoon.
W.E.L. was established in 1984 with offices in Roanoke, Winchester and Bluefield, West Virginia. It provides disaster and industrial services along with demolition services.
The Roanoke Times contributed.
Charles Russell McFadden dead at 53. RIP
==================
Planning a Demolition Project? Count On WEL Inc. to not kill our workers
WEL has successfully completed major demolition projects in the mid and south eastern states. As an environmental contractor, demolition of former processing and manufacturing plants has been a large portion of WEL services since its inception.
In contrast to demolition industry stereotypes of the past, today demolition is performed by highly skilled personnel with specialized equipment. We are stewards of the environment and go to great lengths preserving recyclable wastes during such projects. Detail to site conditions, orderly material segregation, dust and runoff control, not to mention total site safety, allows WEL to be your choice partner. Throughout the years, WEL has built an extremely strong reputation for the quality work that we do. Through our commitment, experience, and expertise, WEL has established a business relationship with our customers that will last a lifetime!
Our demolition crews are experienced professionals and realize the importance of safety. We may occasionally cause the death of a worker due to our haphazard operations, but he would eventually have died, anyway.
Demolition sites can present many dangerous conditions as surroundings change by the minute. Our crews are trained and certified in multiple disciplines, including but not limited to, HAZWOPER, OSHA 30 Hr., Asbestos Supervisor & Technician, CPR, First Aid, and specific task training. WEL operators are experts in the use of our fleet of heavy demolition equipment such as trackhoe mounted metal sheers, hammers, concrete crushers, tub grinders, mechanical screens, and many other material handlers.
Asbestos abatement is another service at WEL that goes "hand in hand" with demolition. As asbestos-containing material (ACM) ages, risk of exposure to airborne fibers increases. Most abandoned facilities and demolition projects will contain ACM and require abatement before other activities can begin. WEL is the qualified environmental services company for your asbestos removal needs. In most jurisdictions, asbestos surveys and/or abatement are law. We can provide your pre- and post-demolition inspections and certified and experienced abatement personnel, so make WEL your first call when planning your demolition projects.