OSHA investigating after employee killed in accident at International Paper

SAVANNAH, GA (WTOC) - The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has confirmed it will be investigating the accident that killed 58-year-old Ricky Salter on Sunday at International Paper.

OSHA will investigate the scene and talk to employees, as well as investigate procedures at the plant. OSHA said these types of investigations could take up to six months to complete.

Hopefully this investigation will provide more answers to the friends and family of Salter dealing with his tragic death.

"When someone loses a father and a husband, especially when in such a tight-knit family as that one, it's pretty devastating to them," said family friend Chris Saxon. "He was such an easy-going guy. Any time you needed anything, he was right there for you. Never asked for anything in return. He was just one of the most generous men I've ever met. He will be missed by a lot of people."

According to Mark Keller, spokesman for Savannah Fire, Salter was working in the Riverside Paper Mill on Sunday afternoon when he was involved in what appeared to be an industrial accident.

Firefighters performed CPR and LifeStar was dispatched, but Salter died at the scene. Salter was a maintenance employee.

Salter was survived by his wife and four sons. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers for more than 34 years.

The local chapter of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers said Salter was doing electrical work in the maintenance division at International Paper. The group said he was not only a great electrician, but a great person.

While there are still many unanswered questions surrounding his death, what we know about Salter is how dedicated he was to his work. The IBEW said Salter had been a member of the local chapter for more than 34 years, attending meetings regularly, and he never left a job unfinished.

"I've known Ricky for over 30 years," said Jimmy Ray, business manager for IBEW 508. "He's always been a good friend. Of course a local brother. He was a good electrician, a fine family man. A Christian man. Nobody ever had a bad thing to say about him. He was always a fine guy."

International Paper released a statement that read:

"Ricky was a valued and respected member of our Savannah team and was an employee at our mill for more than two years. We are deeply saddened by the death of our team member and friend. Our thoughs and prayers go out to Ricky's family and friends."

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