Dec 1, 2014 1 min read

A McDonald company that was hired to clear land for a gas-drilling site in Hickory was cited by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for an accident in May that left a man in serious condition.

Land Clearing Specialists Inc. was held responsible for not ensuring that the parking brake on a piece of equipment was set and the wheels of the vehicle were chocked while it was parked on an incline, according to OSHA spokesperson Leni Fortson. The incident, considered a “serious violation,” occurred near 409 Fort Cherry Road.

Michael Huchko, 36, of McDonald, was crushed by the equipment and suffered multiple broken bones and a collapsed lung.

The company declined to comment on the incident and citation.

Fortson said the company originally was fined $4,900, but the company entered into an informal settlement and agreed to pay $3,234 to OSHA instead.