A Whiting BU operator suffered a fatal fall of approximately 10 feet from a stairway platform while performing routine duties at the Water Treatment Plant. The incident occurred at approximately 4:00pm, January 1, 2004. Initial evaluation of the incident site found a failed handrail. The plant Emergency Response Team responded to the scene. The operator was transported to St. Catherine¿s Hospital in East Chicago, IN and was pronounced dead. A joint Union/Management led investigation team was formed, which included an external Team Leader and Root Cause Specialist to determine the root cause of the incident and recommend actions to prevent similar incidents.