Workplace safety inspectors fined the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department more than $350,000 following their investigation into an explosion that killed three deputies.
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal OSHA) said its staff issued eight citations totaling $351,500 against the department, including failure to correct unsafe work conditions and practices, and for providing inadequate training and instruction to deputies who handled the grenade that ultimately killed the three deputies.
Cal OSHA also cited the Sheriff’s Department for:
- Failing to ensure that employees used appropriate personal protective equipment when handling explosive ordnance, including grenades.
- Failing to establish and maintain effective methods to identify and evaluate hazards related to retrieving, transporting, storing, and handling explosive ordnance, including grenades.
- Leaving explosive materials unattended, not stored in required magazines, and failing to place explosive materials in suitable containers when transported manually.
- Failing to maintain required documentation of safety training and for failing to complete and certify a written workplace hazard assessment for personal protective equipment.
State inspectors said the Sheriff’s Department appealed the fines. Cal OSHA said its staff is in a legal battle with the Sheriff’s Department and hope the court system will compel deputies to share investigatory documents surrounding the explosion…