Worker Deaths Lead to $13,725 in Fines

State workplace safety investigators have fined a Ventura company $13,725 stemming from the deaths of two farm workers at Sespe Ranch last year.

Miguel Lopez, 43, and Palemon Rangel Yanez, 44, were found floating inside a 1,000-gallon liquid fertilizer tank Aug. 2 after family members reported they had not returned home from work.

The men had been instructed to clean out the tanks the day before, but were never supposed to climb inside the tank to do so, company officials said at the time.

Authorities believe the men either drowned or were overcome by fumes in the tank, which contained “compost tea” made of compost, gypsum, potassium sulfate and molasses. The substance is used to stimulate growth on orange, lemon and avocado trees.

Cal/OSHA investigators issued six citations in the case, the largest one being $12,600 for a serious violation of the state’s regulations on confined spaces, said agency spokesman Dean Fryer.

The code requires employers to test the atmosphere of a confined space for oxygen content, flammable gases and potential air contaminants before allowing employees to work. It also requires warning signs be posted and that employees be trained about the potential hazards such confined spaces present, Fryer said.

Ventura-based Progressive Land Management, the men’s employer, did not conduct those tests on the day of the accident, according to the Cal/OSHA citation.

Fryer said the company has appealed the $12,600 fine, but has agreed to comply with the state’s confined space regulations.

Ranch manager Mike Mobley could not be reached for comment Wednesday.