OSHA investigating Crystal Lake worker's death

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the death of a 53-year-old ComEd worker who was struck by a piece of a utility pole in Crystal Lake Tuesday afternoon.

An autopsy indicates Kelly Skiles of Lyons, Wis., died of a major head injury, according to the McHenry County coroner's office.

ComEd was replacing utility pole at the intersection of Crystal Lake Avenue and East Street when the accident occurred around 1:40 p.m., officials said.

“We have been out there since yesterday,” said Kathy Webb, director of OSHA's North Aurora office, Wednesday afternoon. “Our purpose is to find the cause of the accident. To see if any OSHA standards were violated and if we need to propose some citations and possible penalties.”

Skiles was rushed to Centegra Hospital in McHenry in critical condition Tuesday afternoon but was pronounced dead less than an hour after being struck, officials said.

OSHA officials said the investigation would most likely take a few months to complete.

A serious violation can carry a maximum fine of $7,000, Webb said.

ComEd is continuing its investigation into the accident.

“Everyone at the company extends its deepest sympathy to his family and friends,” said ComEd spokeswoman Arlana Johnson.