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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: 1778186.015 - Recon Refractory & Construction, Inc.
Inspection Information - Office: Van Nuys Mining & Tunneling District Office
Site Address:
Recon Refractory & Construction, Inc.
14486 Borax Rd.
Boron, CA 93516
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 93120, Long Beach, CA 90809
Union Status: Union
SIC:
NAICS: 212325/Clay and Ceramic and Refractory Minerals Mining
Inspection Type: Fat/Cat
Scope: Partial
Advanced Notice: N
Ownership: Private
Safety/Health: Safety
Close Conference: 02/11/2025
Emphasis: N:Heatnep, S:Heatsep-Outdoor, S:Mining
Case Closed:
| Type | Activity Nr | Safety | Health |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accident | 2216175 | ||
| Inspection | 1778221 | Yes |
| Violations/Penalties | Serious | Willful | Repeat | Other | Unclass | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Violations | 4 | 4 | ||||
| Current Violations | 4 | 4 | ||||
| Initial Penalty | $60,750 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $60,750 |
| Current Penalty | $60,750 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $0 | $60,750 |
| 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 | Serious | 3395(G)(2) | 02/12/2025 | 02/25/2025 | $10,125 | $10,125 | $0 | 05/28/2025 | C - Contested | |
| 2. | 02001 | Serious | 3395(H)(1)(D) | 02/12/2025 | 02/25/2025 | $16,875 | $16,875 | $0 | 05/28/2025 | C - Contested | |
| 3. | 03001 | Serious | 3395(H)(2) | 02/12/2025 | 02/25/2025 | $16,875 | $16,875 | $0 | 05/28/2025 | C - Contested | |
| 4. | 04001 | Serious | 3395(I) | 02/12/2025 | 02/25/2025 | $16,875 | $16,875 | $0 | 05/28/2025 | C - Contested |
Investigation Summary
At 1:30 p.m. on August 15, 2024, an employee working as a bricklayer for Recon Refractory & Construction, Inc. at the U.S. Borax surface mine in Kern County, California, was found dead in his hotel room the day after reporting symptoms of illness including stomach pain, difficulty urinating, and feeling hot and sweaty during work in high outdoor temperatures near 97�F. The employee had declined medical treatment and left the jobsite early on August 14. Paramedics pronounced time of death at 11:03 p.m. on August 15. The Kern County Coroner ruled the cause of death as natural from arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The Division issued four serious citations related to heat illness prevention training, acclimatization, employee observation, and emergency response.
Keywords: Cardiac Arrest, Cardiovasc Disease, Cardiovasc System, Heart, Heat, Heat-related illness , Natural Causes, Natural Causes
| # | Inspection | Age | Sex | Degree of Injury | Nature of Injury | Occupation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1778186.015 | 64 | M | Fatality |