Owner, Firm Sentenced in Worker's Death

Dec. 21, 2000
Company owner receives five years probation, a fine of $17,500 and 200 hours of community service for pleading guilty in connection with an employee fatality.

'

The Michigan Department of Consumer & Industry services (CIS) announced the sentences handed down in Gladwin County Circuit Court against an owner and his company for the death of their employee.

In early November, Edmond D. Woods and Midland Environmental Services Inc. entered guilty pleas in connection with the 1994 fatality of their employee, Mickiel Rennenberg.

Woods received five years probation, payment of the full statutory fine of $17,500, and 200 hours of community service.

The corporation also was required to pay the full fine of $17,500, for a combined total of $35,000.

Both Woods and Midland were also required to abide by all Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Act (MIOSHA) laws and Department of Environmental Quality laws, and must also abide by all the terms of the MIOSHA settlement agreement.

The guilty pleas carried a maximum criminal fine of $35,000 combined, and a maximum possible prison term of five years.

"Edmond Woods willfully and recklessly failed to protect his employees," said CIS Director Kathy Wilbur. "This sentence signals that when appropriate, we will pursue similar actions against employers whose willful violations of workplace safety result in a worker''s death. It is imperative that employers vigorously examine their workplace, and make sure they are providing a work environment free from recognized hazards that can result in serious injuries or death."

On Nov. 1, Woods and Midland Environmental entered guilty pleas to the following:

  • To attempted involuntary manslaughter, on behalf of Woods personally,
  • To attempted involuntary manslaughter, on behalf of the Corporation,
  • To the charge regarding the MIOSHA Willful Criminal, on behalf of Woods personally,
  • To the charge regarding the MIOSHA Willful Criminal, on behalf of the Corporation.

"We hope the circumstances of Mickiel Rennenberg''s needless death will prompt employers to recognize their serious duty to protect their workers," said Wilbur. "Employer have an obligation to create a safe and healthy work environment, and more importantly, to prevent accidents and save lives."

This case is unprecedented because it is the first criminal case in Michigan occupational safety and health regulatory history where an owner and the corporation were held criminally responsible for a workplace fatality.

by Virginia Sutcliffe

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeekEHS Today, Material Handling & LogisticsLogistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor:  Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.

Sponsored Recommendations

June 23, 2025
With the right workplace health and safety training, your organization can reduce risk and protect your employees.
June 23, 2025
This article covers the key steps to build a reliable SDS management program, from organizing your inventory and sourcing updated SDS to ensuring easy access and regular maintenance...
June 23, 2025
It's time to get a bit more granular and start to examine the types of metrics EHS departments should be tracking, starting with lost time injury frequency rate (LTIFR).
June 23, 2025
With the number of lone workers on the rise, here are five facts every employer should know about lone working.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!