Inspection Detail

Note: The following inspection has not been indicated as closed. OSHA citation items will be posted 30 (thirty) days after the employer receives the citation(s), except in cases of significant public interest. Posted citation items reflect any amendments to citations that are the result of a prompt settlement, which OSHA encourages. Employers and employee representatives will continue to receive copies of the citation(s) upon issuance.

Inspection: 1482600.015 - Mi Lindo Guerrero Tortilleria

Inspection Information - Office: San Diego District Office

Investigation Summary

At 5:45 p.m. on July 2, 2020, an employee was cleaning the masa feeder at the end of the work day. The employee was using a hose to wash off the sides of the hopper and the augers of built up dough. While the masa feeder was operating, the employee reached into the hopper to grab a piece of dough and the auger pulled his hand and forearm into the extruder. The employee was able to turn the machine off with his right hand and call out for help. Coworkers called for emergency services and the fire department responded to extricate the employee's hand from the machine but were unsuccessful. The entire masa feeder was removed from the machine with the employee's hand still stuck in it and the employee was transported to the hospital. The employee was hospitalized and physicians had to amputate his left hand above the wrist in order to free him from the machinery.

Keywords: Amputation, Caught In, Cleaning, Food processing, Forming Machine, Hand, Lockout/Tagout