Employee killed in accident at Fontana steel-processing plant

Last Updated on May 25, 2019 by CCAR Staff

An employee of California Steel Industries in Fontana was killed in an accident there Tuesday, May 21, the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health said Friday.

The employee, whose name was not publicly announced, was a materials handler, Cal/OSHA spokesman Frank Polizzi said. The man was using a work table when he became pinned between a belt and a mandrel, which is a cylindrical object against which material can be shaped.

San Bernardino County firefighters were called just before 3:30 a.m. to 14000 San Bernardino Avenue and extricated the man from the machinery within minutes of their arrival, spokesman Eric Sherwin said. He was taken to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, where he died Wednesday, Polizzi said.

“Cal/OSHA is investigating to correct violations of workplace safety regulations,” Polizzi said. The state agency has the power to fine the company depending on the seriousness and cause of the accident. The company can appeal.

California Steel Industries says on its website that it processes steel slab purchased from suppliers. The 450-acre site includes 115 acres in one building.