News Summary
Officials in West Milwaukee are investigating a tragic workplace accident at Palermo’s Pizza that resulted in the death of employee Robert Cherone. The incident occurred early in the morning when Cherone was crushed by a robotic machine. Company spokesperson Rebecca Schimke stated that the company is cooperating with investigations and providing support to Cherone’s family. OSHA has been contacted to assess any safety issues. This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding workplace safety, especially in environments utilizing automated machinery.
West Milwaukee officials are investigating a workplace accident at Palermo’s Pizza which resulted in the death of an employee. The tragic incident occurred around 6:30 a.m. on September 17, 2023, leading to the death of Robert Cherone, a 45-year-old employee who was crushed by a robotic machine. The Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office has confirmed Cherone’s death.
Following the accident, a spokesperson for Palermo’s Pizza, Rebecca Schimke, stated that the company is cooperating with ongoing investigations while also extending support to Cherone’s family. Schimke described the event as a “tragic accident” and emphasized the company’s commitment to assisting its employees during this difficult time. To address the emotional fallout, Palermo’s Pizza announced plans to offer counseling and support services to employees affected by this incident.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has been contacted regarding the accident to assess any safety violations and ensure workplace regulations are adhered to. Safety in workplaces has come into focus with recent comments from Wisconsin AFL-CIO President Stephanie Bloomingdale, who expressed condolences and emphasized the urgent need for safer workplaces.
In Wisconsin, numbers provided indicate that there were 112 workplace fatalities reported in 2023, with 88% of those fatalities involving men. Notably, a significant portion of these fatalities, about one-third, involved self-employed individuals.
Palermo’s Pizza has a long history, established in 1954, and entered the frozen pizza market in 1979. The West Milwaukee production facility, where the tragic incident occurred, opened earlier in 2023 and spans 200,000 square feet. It was constructed on the site of the demolished Froedtert Malt Corp. complex, representing a significant investment in modern food production capabilities.
Ongoing Investigation
The investigation into Cherone’s death is continuing and involves both local authorities and the Milwaukee County Medical Examiner’s Office. The ultimate findings of this investigation may have implications for workplace safety policies, especially in relation to the use of automated machinery in manufacturing settings.
Conclusion
The incident at Palermo’s Pizza serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers present in manufacturing environments, particularly for those working with complex machinery. Authorities and company representatives are urging the importance of maintaining the highest safety standards to protect employees.
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Additional Resources
- Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Investigation of Death at Palermo’s Pizza Facility
- Fox 6 Now: Palermo’s Pizza Employee Death Investigation
- BizTimes: Palermo’s Employee Dies in Accident
- WISN: Death Investigation at Palermo’s Pizza
- Wikipedia
- Google Search: Palermo’s Pizza
Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER
MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.
