Food Processing: Hygiene, Equipment & Ergonomic Challenges Fatality File

Fatal Processing Plant Hygiene Cleaning Incident

At approximately 9:30 p.m., emergency crews responded to a distress call at the Tina’s Burritos facility located on Vernon Avenue. According to reports from the Vernon Police Department and the Los Angeles County Fire Department, the 19-year-old employee was engaged in standard sanitation duties when the industrial kettle suddenly powered on. Colleagues who were nearby attempted to shut off the machine but were unable to prevent the fatal outcome. First responders pronounced the worker dead at the scene.

The incident is currently under investigation by Cal/OSHA, the Vernon Police Department, and the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office. As of this writing, the victim’s name has not been released pending notification of next of kin. Tina’s Burritos has issued a statement expressing condolences to the family and noting that it is cooperating fully with all investigative agencies.

Source: www.greenbergrubylaw.com