Inspection Detail

Inspection: 2764538 - Freshpack, Inc.

Inspection Information - Office: Ky Labor Cabinet Division Of Osh Compliance

Investigation Summary

At approximately 5:00 p.m. on May 24, 1988, 42 second shift employees were working at various fresh vegetable preparation operations, which included cutting, washing, and packaging in the produce part of a plant. At 5:15 p.m. a rented Clark equipment propane forklift, #531283, was driven into the produce area to move a heavy piece of equipment. At 6:00 p.m., Employee #11 complained of nausea and Employee #20 complained of a headache. At 6:15 p.m., Employee #12 collapsed. The area was evacuated at 6:40 p.m. Employees #1 through #28 were sent to four different hospitals for examination and blood tests. They were subsequently released, except for Employee #9, who was admitted for further treatment. Emissions testing of the forklift showed 500 ppm and 300 ppm, plus or minus 25 percent, of carbon monoxide.

Keywords: OXYGEN DEFICIENCY, HEADACHE, WORK RULES, TOXIC ATMOSPHERE, NAUSEA, INDUSTRIAL TRUCK, POISONING, TOXIC FUMES, OVEREXPOSURE, CARBON MONOXIDE