Factory worker killed at KY facility identified. Police, company investigating
An employee at the Firestone automotive air springs manufacturing plant in Williamsburg was killed in an accident Wednesday, leading the company to launch an internal investigation.
Jack Henson, 51, of Corbin, was pronounced dead on the scene, according to Whitley County Coroner Andy Croley.
Henson was operating a piece of equipment on the warehouse side of the plant when there was an accident with a standing rack, according to the Williamsburg Police Department.
Firestone Airide is a subsidiary of Bridgestone Americas Inc., the world’s largest tire manufacturer. The 400,000-square-foot Firestone plant in Williamsburg produces rubber air springs used in commercial vehicle suspensions.
The Whitley County operation opened in 1989 and employs more than 600 people.
In a statement Thursday, Bridgestone confirmed an employee had died and said it was investigating the incident.
“The well-being and safety of our employees, contractors, and visitors is our most important value,” the company said.
In 2019, the Williamsburg plant earned a global company distinction for having gone 4 million working hours without a lost-time injury. The facility has earned five Kentucky Governor’s Safety and Health Awards, most recently during the 2017-18 awards cycle.
Police say they are still investigating Henson’s death.
