WORKPLACE INJURY: Blythe Labor Contractor Blamed for Death of a Farm Hand, Faces Penalties

January 12, 2012

Blythe – The Occupational Safety and Health division of the Department of Relations issued a total of $74,125 in penalty against a labor contractor who allegedly failed to protect the welfare of farm worker.

According to reports, C. Clunn Consulting failed to protect the 47-year-old farm hand, Romero Vasquez, from excessive heat exposure thus leading to his death.

Investigations of the DOSH found out that prior to Vasquez’s death, he was tasked to load 40-pound boxes of cantaloupes and to drive a tractor under 102-degree heat and high humidity.

While performing his work tasks, Vasquez collapsed and went into cardiac arrest. He was airlifted to a hospital where doctors pronounced him dead.