Charges dismissed in workplace death

GRAND RAPIDS (AP) — A judge in western Michigan has dismissed criminal charges in the case of a man who plunged 26 feet to his death while working on a commercial roof.

Black River  Builders owner Joe Novak of Holland was charged with a safety violation causing death, a felony. WZZM-TV says a Kent County judge recently dismissed the charge after Novak’s lawyers argued that he shouldn’t be held personally responsible.

In 2012, Brian Tarachanowicz fell while removing a roof deck at a commercial building in Sparta, north of Grand Rapids. The state says the victim was not wearing protective equipment, and no inspections were performed to detect hazards.

Tarachanowicz was working as a subcontractor on the project.

The state says Black River Builders has been cited for past safety problems.