Translate
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: 1504589.015 - California Ranch Food Company, Inc.
Inspection Information - Office: Long Beach District Office
Site Address:
California Ranch Food Company, Inc.
4401 S Downey Road
Vernon, CA 90058
Mailing Address:
4401 S Downey Road, Vernon, CA 90058
Union Status: NonUnion
SIC:
NAICS: 424470/Meat and Meat Product Merchant Wholesalers
Inspection Type: Fat/Cat
Scope: Partial
Advanced Notice: N
Ownership: Private
Safety/Health: Safety
Close Conference: 09/24/2021
Emphasis:
Case Closed:
| Type | Activity Nr | Safety | Health |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accident | 1697529 |
| Violations/Penalties | Serious | Willful | Repeat | Other | Unclass | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Violations | 4 | 2 | 6 | |||
| Current Violations | 4 | 2 | 6 | |||
| Initial Penalty | $81,000 | $0 | $0 | $1,725 | $0 | $82,725 |
| Current Penalty | $81,000 | $0 | $0 | $1,725 | $0 | $82,725 |
| FTA Penalty | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| # | Citation ID | Citaton Type | Standard Cited | Issuance Date | Abatement Due Date | Current Penalty | Initial Penalty | FTA Penalty | Contest | Latest Event | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 01001 | Other | 3203(A)(5) | 09/24/2021 | 10/13/2021 | $750 | $750 | $0 | 11/29/2021 | C - Contested | |
| 2. | 01002 | Other | 5144(G)(3) | 09/24/2021 | 10/29/2021 | $975 | $975 | $0 | 11/29/2021 | C - Contested | |
| 3. | 02001 | Serious | 3220(C)(1) | 09/24/2021 | $20,250 | $20,250 | $0 | 11/29/2021 | C - Contested | ||
| 4. | 03001 | Serious | 3328(G) | 09/24/2021 | $20,250 | $20,250 | $0 | 11/29/2021 | C - Contested | ||
| 5. | 04001 | Serious | 5141(A) | 09/24/2021 | $20,250 | $20,250 | $0 | 11/29/2021 | C - Contested | ||
| 6. | 05001 | Serious | 5194(H)(1) | 09/24/2021 | $20,250 | $20,250 | $0 | 11/29/2021 | C - Contested |
Investigation Summary
At 7:45 p.m. on December 1, 2020, Employee #1, a production lead supervisor, entered the chill/production room. She observed a cloud generating in the immediate area of the freezer tunnel. She went to investigate the cause of the cloud and was killed by asphyxiation. Approximately one hour later, Employee #2, a production supervisor, entered the chill/production room. He observed Employee #1 on the floor and went over to her. Employee #2 was overcome by the lack of oxygen in the room and was also killed by asphyxiation. Liquid nitrogen released from the tunnel freezer, Linde Cryowave Freezing tunnel Model 1250-5, in the chill/production room created an oxygen-deficient atmosphere that asphyxiated both employees. The chill/production room emergency alarms, Advanced Micro Instruments 221R Area Oxygen Deficiency monitor, did not provide warning to the employees of an oxygen-deficient atmosphere.
Keywords: Alarm, Asphyxiated, Lack of oxygen, Nitrogen, Oxygen Deficiency, PPE, Unconsciousness
| # | Inspection | Age | Sex | Degree of Injury | Nature of Injury | Occupation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1504589.015 | 49 | F | Fatality | Supervisors, extractive occupations | |
| 2 | 1504589.015 | 56 | M | Fatality | Driver-sales workers |