April 28th, 2017
United Steel Workers Local 676, Verso Corporation, reports the death of one of its members at the Beryl woodyard on April 8 was the result of a fall into a wood chip reclaimer.
Matthew Shumaker, 45, Westernport, a 20-year employee of the paper mill, had recently transferred from the converting plant to the woodyard, according to a report at www.usw.org/news.
Shumaker was on his last shift of a two-week training period and was running a dozer on the chip pile, the union said. "He dismounted from the dozer and walked parts of the chip pile for reasons unknown," the website stated.
Shumaker was standing near the chip reclaimer when a portion of the wood chip bed unexpectedly collapsed underneath him. He was working alone at the time, the statement said.
Mineral County Sheriff Jeremy Taylor told the Times-News this week that his investigation into the matter is completed. Taylor awaits a report from the state medical examiner.
About Verso
Verso Corporation is the turn-to company for those looking to successfully navigate the complexities of paper sourcing and performance. The leading North American producer of printing and specialty papers and pulp, Verso provides insightful solutions that help drive improved customer efficiency, productivity, brand awareness and business results. Verso's long-standing reputation for quality and reliability is directly tied to our vision to be a company with passion that is respected and trusted by all. Verso's passion is rooted in ethical business practices that demand safe workplaces for our employees and sustainable wood sourcing for our products. This passion, combined with our flexible manufacturing capabilities and an unmatched commitment to product performance, delivery and service, make Verso a preferred choice among commercial printers, paper merchants and brokers, converters, publishers and other end users. For more information, visit us online at versoco.com.
SOURCE Verso Corporation