Inspection Detail

Inspection: 310477161 - Heimerl Farms, Ltd

Inspection Information - Office: Columbus Area Office

Investigation Summary

At approximately 8:00 a.m. on March 9, 2007, Employee #1 worked at a feed mill where hog feed was mixed for the farm's hogs. The employer met Employee #1 as he was heading to check on the progress of another job. The employer was told that the computer had shut food production down due to the fat line not supplying fat to the mixer, a Sudenga Industries, Inc., Model Number M6000. Several minutes later the employer returned and entered the mixing control room. Employee #1 was in the next room, where the mixer was located. The employer stated that the fat seemed to clog in the line on cold mornings and that they were able to unclog the line by heating the portion next to the mixer with a propane torch. Employee #1 had turned off the electrical power to the mixer while attempting to unclog the mixer. A grate covering the top of the mixer, located under the mixer access covers as indicated in the owner's manual, was not present. Employee #1 yelled to the employer to try it. The employer, after conversing with Employee #1 to ensure that he wanted to turn the mixer on, energized the mixer. They conversed through the open door separating the two rooms and did not see each other. Several seconds after energizing the mixer he heard the Employee #1 yell stop. The employer hit the e-stop button and ran in the mixer room to help the Employee #1. After several minutes of searching for the Employee #1 he found his boots sticking out of the ground corn. He was unable to rescue him and called a rescue service. Employee #1 was killed due to a blunt force injury to the extremities, pelvis, and head.

Keywords: WORK RULES, MIXER, CAUGHT BY, LOCKOUT, STRUCK BY, NIP POINT