Federal officials have proposed half a million dollars in fines for the operator of a Sedgwick County grain elevator where two workers died in January.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration said Monday that in addition to proposed fines, Gavilon Grain has been placed in the agency's severe violator enforcement program.
Marcus Tice and Joshua Rasbold died at company's elevator on South Hoover. They were buried under 20 to 25 feet of grain.
OSHA says the deaths could have been prevented if the company had provided proper safety equipment and followed required safety procedures.
The company has contested the ruling.