Clackamas Co., OR (May 15, 2026) – A person died following a workplace accident at the River Mill Dam on Thursday, May 14, in unincorporated Clackamas County. Emergency units were called to the dam at 30800 SE Kilowatt Lane shortly before 4:30 p.m. The accident occurred while a contracted worker was testing equipment at the facility. The specific equipment involved was not disclosed.
Emergency crews located the victim but were unable to reach them immediately. Power had to be secured before access to the area was possible. The person died before life-saving measures could begin and was pronounced dead at the scene. A second person, also connected to the dam, was taken to a hospital, but no details about that person’s condition were released. The victim’s identity had not been made public as of the time of this report, pending family notification.
Emergency crews also inspected and extinguished damaged equipment at the scene, remaining there for roughly two hours. The dam was placed into a safe shutdown mode as a precaution, though officials confirmed no risk to the surrounding public. The incident is being investigated as a workplace death, and more details will be released as they become available.
We extend our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of the victim.
What Happens After a Workplace Fatality at an Oregon Power Facility?
When a worker dies on the job in Oregon, state and federal workplace safety agencies are typically notified and open their own review of the incident. Federal rules require employers to report any work-related fatality to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration within eight hours. That agency may then send investigators to examine the site, interview witnesses, and determine whether any safety standards were violated.
At power generation facilities like hydroelectric dams, the review process can be especially detailed. Equipment testing and maintenance work often involves electrical hazards and restricted access areas, which means safety protocols have to be carefully followed at every step. Findings from these reviews can result in citations, fines, or required changes to how work is carried out at the facility going forward.
