A food processing plant in Vernon has agreed to pay over $6 million after a tragic nitrogen gas leak in 2020 resulted in the deaths of two workers. California Ranch Foods, part of the Golden West Food Group, faced criminal charges for this incident, which highlighted serious lapses in workplace safety.
On December 1, 2020, Baldemar Gonsales, 56, and Maria Osyguss, 54, were found unconscious in a refrigerated room designed to keep food fresh. The leak of liquid nitrogen created a hazardous environment, leading to their suffocation. Cal/OSHA, California’s workplace safety agency, identified a lack of oxygen as the cause of death.
Debra Lee, Cal/OSHA Chief, emphasized accountability for employers who neglect worker safety. The plea deal includes three years of probation and requires the company to invest $1.6 million in safety improvements. Additionally, they must pay a $1 million criminal fine and donate $4 million to local food banks. This agreement also comes after a separate $35 million civil settlement for the victims’ families.
Cal/OSHA’s investigation uncovered significant safety violations. In its October 2021 citation, officials noted that the emergency alarm in the chilly room was malfunctioning, making it impossible for the workers to receive any warnings. Michael Bright, who leads the Bureau of Investigations, described the negligence as grossly evident.
Furthermore, the investigation revealed that the company lacked proper training on safety procedures. They didn’t have adequate ventilation systems, sensors for detecting gas leaks, or individual safety equipment for employees. Since then, the plant has reportedly made necessary upgrades to its systems.
This case is a stark reminder of the importance of workplace safety. In recent years, discussions around employee safety have gained momentum, especially in hazardous industries. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were nearly 5,000 workplace fatalities in the United States in 2020, highlighting a critical need for companies to prioritize worker wellbeing.
In this digital age, social media has amplified calls for stringent safety measures. Many online reactions emphasize the need for transparency and accountability in such cases. As society continues to advocate for better protections, incidents like this reinforce the message that safety cannot be sidelined.
For more information on workplace safety regulations, you can visit Cal/OSHA.
