OSHA cited Rocky Fork Hunt and Country Club – located in Gahanna, Ohio – for failing to protect employees from rollover hazards after club employee Dwain Starks, 52, suffered fatal injuries when the lawnmower he was operating tipped over

OSHA inspectors determined Rocky Fort Hunt and Country Club did not have a roll bar installed on the mower

U.S. Department of Labor Cites Ohio Country Club for Safety Hazards


GAHANNA, OH – 

The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has cited Rocky Fork Hunt and Country Club – located in Gahanna, Ohio – for failing to protect employees from rollover hazards after a worker suffered fatal injuries when the lawnmower he was operating tipped over.

OSHA inspectors determined Rocky Fort Hunt and Country Club did not have a roll bar installed on the mower; exposed workers to chemical hazards; and failed to develop and implement an emergency action plan, maintain accurate injury and illness records; and report the fatality as required. The company faces proposed penalties of $25,869.

"Employers have a legal obligation to report fatalities to OSHA within eight hours. A workplace free of hazards is a requirement, not an option," said OSHA Columbus Area Office Director Larry Johnson. "When equipment is operated on a slope or embankment, rollover protection must be installed."

The company has 15 business days from receipt of the citations and penalties to comply, request an informal conference with OSHA's area director, or contest the findings before the independent Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission.

Under the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970, employers are responsible for providing safe and healthful workplaces for their employees. OSHA's role is to help ensure these conditions for America's working men and women by setting and enforcing standards, and providing training, education and assistance. For more information, visit https://www.osha.gov. 

Rocky Fork Hunt and Country Club

Founded in 1925, Rocky Fork is a true "country" club located on 175 scenic acres of landscaped grounds, dense forest, hills and fields along Rocky Fork Creek. Our clubhouse, in the style of an English country home, terrace and pool sit on a high ridge with a commanding view of the property.

We are known for outstanding food and service. The intimate atmosphere of the Clubhouse and natural beauty of the grounds provide a unique setting for private entertaining, Club social events, and casual and formal dining.

Membership is by invitation.

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By Danae King
The Columbus Dispatch



June 9, 2018


Authorities have identified Dwain Starks, 52, as the victim who died after the riding lawn mower he was using went into a pond at Rocky Fork Hunt and Country Club Friday afternoon.

The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office and Mifflin Township Division of Fire received a call that a riding lawn mower was in the water at the Gahanna-area private sports club, at 5189 Clark State Rd.

Divers pulled Stark, of Columbus, from the water and he was taken in critical condition to OhioHealth Grant Medical, where he was later pronounced dead. Stark was an employee of the club.

The incident is still under investigation.






The family has set up a GoFundMe for funeral expenses and to take care of his 18-year-old daughter: https://www.gofundme.com/dwain-starks.
(Courtesy: Starks Family)

Dwain's father, Thomas Starks, says “Dwain’s daughter just graduated high school three weeks ago and we had a birthday party for her in April when she turned 18.”


He added that he would miss Dwain’s weekly phone calls.

Friends and family agree that what will be missed most is Dwain’s smile.

His girlfriend, Trina J. Johnson said it was what reeled her in, “There was something about his smile.”