ENDICOTT, Neb. (AP) — Federal safety authorities are investigating the death of a worker crushed in a machine at a clay products manufacturing facility in southeast Nebraska.

Authorities say the accident occurred around 5:40 a.m. Tuesday at Endicott Clay Products in Endicott. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office says 42-year-old Scott Roker, of Fairbury, was caught in equipment that sets bricks to be loaded into a kiln for drying.

Occupational Safety and Health Administration officials are checking into whether any violations of safety procedures contributed to the accident. The investigation could take up to six months.

Endicott Clay President Ryan Parker said in a company statement: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our employee, co-worker, and friend.”

The company employs about 220 people.