Inspection Detail

Inspection: 313379919 - Camino Real Foods Inc Dba Camino Real Kitchens

Inspection Information - Office: Long Beach District Office

Investigation Summary

On October 23, 2009, Employee #1, who worked for a frozen burrito manufacturer, was operating a "VMac machine", which was shop built and had no make, model or serial numbers. The machine dispensed food product to tortillas carried on a conveyor. The conveyor line was referred to as folding line conveyor belt Number 2 and was located in the southwest corner of the facility. The equipment required cleaning with hydrojet washes every four hours. According to witness statements, the belt began slipping, partly due to wear on the head pulley and partly due to residual water. When interviewed, Employee #1 stated that he informed management about the problem and told them that the slipping was resulting in food product occasionally missing its intended tortilla. Employee #1 stated that a maintenance mechanic instructed him to improve performance by using paper towels to blot water from the belt and pulley, while the conveyor was running. The mechanic was interviewed and denied telling Employee #1 to do this. Employee #1's right arm was caught in the roller pulley of the conveyor belt and was apparently fractured. Employee #1 was hospitalized. According to Employee #1, the floor supervisor was aware of the incident details. When interviewed, the supervisor admitted knowledge of the slipping belt and of Employee #1 drying the machine with the power off, but denied knowledge of Employee #1 blotting the machine dry, while it was running. After the accident, the employer attached fixed guards to the sides of the conveyor. DOSH determined that the employer violated regulations related to cleaning of equipment without prior deenergization or use of extension safety tools, conveyor belt guarding, and electrical installation openings.

Keywords: FRACTURE, GUARD, CAUGHT BY, LOCKOUT, ARM, NIP POINT, PULLEY, CONVEYOR BELT, UNGUARDED