“The standard is clear that if protective equipment is required, then it should be supplied and used.”OSHA Spokesman

Sugarloaf’s parent company, Boyne Resorts, also developed a new corporate policy requiring staff to wear safety helmets when working the mountain following the death of a Sugarloaf worker last season and a federal fine.

Bangor Daily News reports last March Sugarloaf employee, Alexander Witt, was working on a steep Sugarloaf trail when he lost his balance and tumbled 100 yards downhill without a helmet on and was killed by blunt force trauma to his head. OSHA fined Sugarloaf $11,408 for a serious violation of federal rules.

Boyne Resorts company spokeswoman, Julie Ard, said helmet policies at the resorts they operate varied from one mountain to the next but are now uniform:

“We have implemented a helmet policy. It is a requirement now that all of our team members at all locations in the U.S. and Canada are wearing approved helmets when on snow or actually on a bicycle as well.”

Boyne Resorts operates Sugarloaf, Sunday River, Loon Mountain and seven other ski resorts. The National Ski Areas Association says the industry in general is moving toward such policies, although there is no uniform standard.

[images from sugarloaf fbwww.sugarloaf.com]

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