Forklift operator who killed recycling center volunteer not to be charged in Isabella County
An Alma man who killed a volunteer at the Isabella County Recycling Center while operating a forklift in November will not be charged by local prosecutors.
A separate investigation into the incident that killed St. Louis resident Sharon Welling is being carried out by the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Clarence Andrew Rose, a certified forklift operator, struck Welling with the forklift while it was carrying a recycling bin.
Isabella County Prosecutor Larry Burdick said charges were not being filed because Rose did not violate any laws other than what MIOSHA is investigating.
"The actions of the forklift operator did not violate the motor vehicle code," he said.
Burdick said no codes were violated because the incident did not occur in a public place or on a public road.
Elaine Clapp, safety and health manager for MIOSHA, said the investigative process may take several weeks and that she anticipates a decision in a month.
"It's required by law," she said. "MIOSHA always investigates employee-related fatalities."
Welling was seriously injured in the accident and died a day later after being transported to Spectrum Hospital in Grand Rapids.
