Worker dies in lumber mill fall

State officials are investigating after a worker was killed on the job at a northern Minnesota lumber mill over the weekend.

The Hubbard County Sheriff's office says Mitchell Harthan, 23, of Grand Rapids fell about 40 to 50 feet Saturday when a section of catwalk gave way at the Potlatch Lumber Mill near Bemidji.

Harthan's death was the 25th fall-related workplace fatality in Minnesota in the last five years, Minnesota OSHA spokesman James Honerman said.

"Each year, Minnesota OSHA investigates a number of workplace deaths. Falls at workplaces are the leading cause of death," Honerman said.

He said the Potlatch Lumber Mill had no recent worker complaints or other safety problems. The company also participates in a voluntary safety program with the state.