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: 1730072.015 - La Tapatia Market Vallejo Inc.

Inspection Information - Office: American Canyon District Office

Investigation Summary

At 8:00 p.m. on February 22, 2024, an employee working as a butcher in a grocery store meat department told Coworker #1 he was taking a break. The employee had been at work for 6 hours and was doing the evening cleaning. He went to the employee restroom on the second floor. After approximately 15 minutes, Coworker #1 became concerned when the employee had not returned and requested Coworker #2, the janitor, check on the employee. Coworker #2 went to the restroom and knocked but did not get a response. The door was locked so he spoke to Coworker #3, owner. Coworker #3 gave Coworker #2 his keys and told him to check again. When Coworker #2 opened the door, he found the employee unresponsive on the floor with his head on the sink. Coworker #2 informed Coworker #3 who went to check and noted the employee was warm but not breathing. Coworker #3 called 911. EMS responded within a few minutes and tried to revive the employee but were not successful. The employee was pronounced dead at the scene. Coworker #4, a police officer, waited by the employee for the coroner to arrive. She became dizzy and went outside where she lost consciousness. The employees called 911 again. EMS returned and checked the bathroom and the AO Smith Automatic Storage Model BTL-199 200 (Serial No. 1711105358878) Water Heater and recorded elevated carbon monoxide (CO) levels. The natural gas was shut off and the gas company called. They responded the next day and verified CO levels were above acceptable levels. They disconnected the gas line and put the water heater out of service. Coworker #3 hired a plumber who inspected a and repaired the heater. The 6-inch combustion exhaust ducting from the heater became worn and corroded, but the damage was not readily visible. This allowed exhaust gases to enter the area. Repairs were completed and on Monday, February 26, 2024, the gas company returned and verified that the water heater was now operating properly. The water heater was returned to service.

Keywords: Asphyxiated, Break, Butcher, Carbon Monoxide, Carboxyhemoglobin, Chemical Exposure, Corrosion, Dizziness, Exhaust Fumes, Exhaust System, Fainted, Gas, Gas Leak, Grocery Store, Inadequate Maint, Inhalation, Lack of Engineering Controls, Lack of oxygen, Maintenance, Meat Processing, Poisoning, Repair, Respiratory Tract, Toxic Atmosphere, Toxic Fumes, Unconsciousness, Unresponsive, Water Heater