California’s Department of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) has cited a German multinational company following the death of an Antioch man at a manufacturing plant in Bay Point. Henkel Corporation is now facing $200,825 in fines for multiple serious and willful violations. The 26-year-old Antioch man was hired as a temporary worker by a staffing agency, HR Comp. While on the job he was pulled into an unguarded mixer shaft, causing him to become stuck and sustain fatal injuries.

Cal/OSHA maintains that the fatal workplace accident was preventable and Henkel Corporation didn’t take the necessary steps to correct workplace safety hazards. Henkel was ultimately cited for six serious violations, of which two were considered willful and serious and one was defined as a general violation. Henkel was found negligent for failing to properly set up and maintain operation guards for the mixer involved in the accident. They also failed to ensure that the sleeves of their workers fit tightly so they wouldn’t inadvertently become stuck in machinery.

Cal/OSHA’s investigation also found that Henkel continued to use the mixer although they were aware of the danger the partial guard put workers in. Additionally, they were found guilty of failing to follow their own Injury and Illness Prevent Program (IIPP), which is designed to prevent accidents such as this. “This tragedy was completely preventable, and underscores what can go wrong when employers do not take the necessary measures to correct workplace safety hazards,” said Christine Baker, director of the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR). Cal/OSHA is a division within DIR. In addition to Henkel, HR Comp, LLC, based in Tennessee and Action Personnel Agency, Inc., dba Staffing Solutions Group, based in Pleasant Hill were cited as well. “Many of the hundreds of workplace accidents that happen across the U.S. everyday are entirely preventable,” says Eric Grover. “Many employers overlook safety in order to increase production and profits, which can lead to accidents on the job. If your employer is overlooking safety, it’s your duty to report it, as it could result in a death or serious injury to you or one of your coworkers.”