Mining Incidents

Maricopa Plant Metal/Non-Metal

Controlled by Nestle S A
Maricopa, Kern County, CA  ·  Active
MSHA Mine ID: 0402638

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Fatalities
0
Total incidents
41
Years on record
2000–2023
Latest incident
Jan 2023
Compliance record
MSHA citations since 2000
186
citations
51
significant & substantial
$70,965
proposed penalties
$63,481
paid to date
Source: MSHA violations data, updated weekly.
Quarterly safety rates
Citations per million employee-hours, as reported to MSHA
Quarter Hours worked Citations S&S Per 1M hrs
2025 Q4 67,233 1 0 14.9
2025 Q3 65,382 1 0 15.3
2025 Q2 81,171 0 0 0.0
2025 Q1 63,833 0 0 0.0
2024 Q4 65,663 0 0 0.0
2024 Q3 66,758 0 0 0.0
2024 Q2 65,378 3 0 45.9
2024 Q1 65,700 5 2 76.1
Quarters under 100,000 reported hours are greyed: too few hours for a stable rate.
No fatalities recorded at this mine.

Reportable incidents

41 on file

2023 · 1 incident

January 13, 2023 CA · Metal/Non-Metal bulldozer operator, universal operator, heavy equipment operator, operating engineer SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Nestle Purina PetCare Company · Fall onto or against objects

A Dozer Operator suffered a hand fracture on 1/13/23 around 9:00 am. As EE was descending from the loader's track pad by holding the handle with this left hand and as EE was stepping down to the lower step with right foot, left foot slipped from the track and they tried to grab the push frame from the dozer, hitting left hand and head on the frame.

2019 · 1 incident

May 8, 2019 CA · Metal/Non-Metal mechanic helper HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Nestle Purina PetCare Company · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

IE and another EE were lifting a plate into position for the welder to install a lifting eye. While moving the plate into position, IE lost IE's balance causing IE to drop the plate and pinch IE's right middle finger. This incident resulted in IE receiving sutures.

2016 · 3 incidents

December 17, 2016 CA · Metal/Non-Metal crusher attendant/operator, pan feeder operator/worker MACHINERY
Nestle Purina PetCare Company · Struck against stationary object

The employee had 2 alarms within 5 minutes and went up to unjam the Canica crusher. As EE was holding the bar to push down the rock, the bar fell out of EE's hand and hit the spinning hammer table inside the Canica crusher resulting in the bar whipping EE's hand back against the framed metal chute.

November 9, 2016 CA · Metal/Non-Metal miner, prospector, nec SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Nestle Purina PetCare Company · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Volunteer from humane society was on site to pick up donated product. Volunteer was observing loading of product when they stepped back and tripped over a dock plate and fell at same level. Fall resulted in a laceration to left hand requiring stitches.

November 8, 2016 CA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Nestle Purina PetCare Company · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE was tightening a hose clamp with a screw driver when screw driver slipped and struck EE in palm of left hand resulting in a puncture wound. EE was placed on restricted duty.

2013 · 1 incident

August 16, 2013 CA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Nestle Purina PetCare Company · Struck against stationary object

The Employee was helping his coworkers installing a 3x200 feet band on the Grisly Crusher. When he was pushing the band with his hands, the band moved fast and pushed his left hand towards a frame underneath.

2012 · 4 incidents

December 16, 2012 CA · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Nestle Purina PetCare Company · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Walking into the shipper's office and slipped on some mud in the parking lot. When he fell, he strained his left knee.

December 11, 2012 CA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Nestle Purina PetCare Company · Fall down stairs

On 12/11/12 at 5:05 am, EE was walking up the Line 1 stairs when he tripped on the 3rd step causing to fall forward. He wanted to hold onto the handrail, but hit the grading with the left hand. The EE received a 5th Metacarpal Fracture on the left pinky finger. The employee was holding a coffee mug on the right hand and was not holding onto the handrail with the left hand.

July 18, 2012 CA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Nestle Purina PetCare Company · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

When closing an office door, the employee got her left index caught between the door and frame

February 18, 2012 CA · Metal/Non-Metal haul/off road/coal/ore/pit/quarry/rock/rubber tire truck driver, transportation truck driver SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Nestle Purina PetCare Company · Fall to the walkway or working surface

This driver was delivering to this location and tripped over a rock and fell.

2010 · 2 incidents

November 4, 2010 CA · Metal/Non-Metal pumper HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Nestle Purina PetCare Company · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was in the process of lifting a stack of pail lids (15 lbs) from a parked pallet and pallet jack. The pallet jack was not lowered completely to the floor. The EE put his foot on the edge of the pallet for lifting support. The pallet and jack rolled and the EE did the splits. This was a First Aid on 11/4/10 and restricted duty on 11/5/10

June 4, 2010 CA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Nestle Purina PetCare Company · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was pulling a manual pallet jack, when she stepped into a small depression in the floor, twisting right knee

2009 · 1 incident

August 15, 2009 CA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Nestle Purina PetCare Company · Fall from ladders

While standing on a ladder (4 foot off ground) Employee stepped backwards and fell. He was holding onto the ladder handrails but due to his size he could not support his weight. Employee complained with knee pain. Initially classified as First Aid Injury by Doctor's office. Status changed to Recordable during follow up visit on 8-17-09, due to prescription medication.

2008 · 1 incident

June 17, 2008 CA · Metal/Non-Metal pumper HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Nestle Purina PetCare Company · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee was closing the door to the bailer, when a second employee, had her hand on the gate. Left middle finger tip was smashed in the door.

2007 · 3 incidents

September 8, 2007 CA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator MACHINERY
Nestle Purina PetCare Company · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was assisting in repairs to Pin Mixer. Employee placed his right hand "In the Line of Fire" on the edge of the Pin Mixer Frame, as the Pin Mixer was rotated, his right index finger was struck by the moving Pin Mixer Tip- Laceration to Right Index Finger.

August 2, 2007 CA · Metal/Non-Metal belt foreman, maintenance foreman, maintenance supervisor SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Nestle Purina PetCare Company · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was walking to a 75 Ton Storage Bin, when he slipped on loose material, and fell to the ground level concrete.

April 28, 2007 CA · Metal/Non-Metal electrician, lineman POWERED HAULAGE
Nestle Purina PetCare Company · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee stated that he removed the guard and was lubing a drive chain on a conveyor, when his left hand came in contact and caught by the chain/sprocket

2006 · 4 incidents

October 30, 2006 CA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Nestle Purina PetCare Company · Over-exertion in lifting objects

Employee was lifting the filler buckets to change the line bucket weights from 35 to 40 pounds. Employee felt pain in her lower back as she lifted the filler bucket.

July 7, 2006 CA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Nestle Purina PetCare Company · Over-exertion in pulling or pushing objects

Employee was using a pry bar to straighten a pallet of product that was jammed. He was pushing away from his body, and in the process strained his back.

April 12, 2006 CA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Nestle Purina PetCare Company · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

The employee had emptied a metal dumpster and was attempting to re-position it at the door way. He cut it too close and mashed his finger between the guard post and the dumpster.

January 7, 2006 CA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator MACHINERY
Nestle Purina PetCare Company · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

Employee was attempting to clear a pallet in front of the label applicator. She reached in front of the applicator to fix a label, and the next pallet started moving forward and pinned her between the applicator and the pallet. She was freed in a matter of seconds. She received two lacerations to the right cheek, requiring stitches.

2005 · 2 incidents

October 25, 2005 CA · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Nestle Purina PetCare Company · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EMPLOYEE WAS DESCENDING STAIRS WITHOUT LOAD WHEN HE STEPPED DOWN IMPROPERLY CAUSING LOSS OF BALANCE AND ANKLE TO TWIST.

March 24, 2005 CA · Metal/Non-Metal quality control technician, laboratory technician, laboratory assistant SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Nestle Purina PetCare Company · Fall down stairs

Employee had stepped off the stairs in the Packaging Dept., and as he turned to go a different direction, he felt a sharp pain in his left knee. He has been treating this injury with non-medical treatments and it improved. However, he requested to see a medical doctor now because the knee started swelling again as he goes up and down stairs.

2004 · 3 incidents

December 20, 2004 CA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Nestle Purina PetCare Company · Fall to the walkway or working surface

Employee was dismounting from her forklift. She stepped wrong, her knee popped several times, and she went to the ground. Strain/Sprain of left knee.

March 31, 2004 CA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Nestle Purina PetCare Company · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE removed the backing plate on the #7 sleever to determine why it was stuck. He was leaning with one hand on the machine while looking inside to see what the problem was. The machine energized and the moving parts pinched the ee's fingers, causing lacerations that required stitches.

March 25, 2004 CA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech MACHINERY
Nestle Purina PetCare Company · Caught in, under or between (Not Elsewhere Classified)

Employee was feeding bags filled with product into the bag conditioner, when his left thumb was caught between two in feed pulleys. When he pulled his thumb out from between the pulleys, his thumbnail was torn off.

2003 · 5 incidents

December 19, 2003 CA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Nestle Purina PetCare Company · Struck against stationary object

EMPLOYEE WAS LINING UP EMPTY FRAGRANCE BARRELS ON THEIR SIDES FOR CRUSHING AND DISPOSAL. THE EMPLOYEE HAD PREVIOUSLY RINSED THE BARRELS, CUT THE TOP OUT, AND PARTIALLY CUT THE BOTTOM OUT OF TH E DRUM WITH A "DRUM OPENER". THE OPENER LEAVES A SHARP, JAGGED EDGE ON THE RIM OF THE BARRELS. THE EE WAS WEARING LEATHER GLOVES, BUT HIS FINGER CAME IN CONTACT WITH THE SHARP METAL, 3 STITCH

November 3, 2003 CA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Nestle Purina PetCare Company · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

EMPLOYEE WAS ATTEMPTING TO TIGHTEN THE CAP ON A JUG FILLED WITH PRODUCT. AS HE WAS TWISTING THE CAP, HIS FINGER WENT UNDER A METAL SUPPORT PIECE, CATCHING IT BETWEEN THE METAL AND CAP. AS HE P ULLED HIS FINGER FREE, IT WAS CUT BY THE METAL SUPPORT PIECE.

October 3, 2003 CA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Nestle Purina PetCare Company · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

TWO EMPLOYEES WERE ATTEMPTING TO REMOVE THE PIN FROM THE COOLER DRUM CHAIN. THE INJURED EE WAS HOLDING A LARGE SLEDGE HAMMER IN PLACE AGAINST THE CHAIN, WHILE THE OTHER EE USED A SMALL 2 LB HAMMER AND A PUNCH TO TRY TO KNOCK OUT THE PIN. THE SMALL HAMMER MISSED THE PUNCH, STRUCK THE INJURED'S LEFT THUMB, SMASHING IT BETWEEN THE SMALL HAMMER AND LARGE HAMMER HANDLE.

September 11, 2003 CA · Metal/Non-Metal mine manager, mine foreman, mine owner MACHINERY
Nestle Purina PetCare Company · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS ATTEMPTING TO DETERMINE WHY THE TILT TABLE ON LINE 3 WOULD NOT RELEASE BACK TO THE HOME POSITION. TABLE IS ACTIVATED BY PHOTO-EYES. AS THE EE BENT OVER THE TABLE & TOUCHED IT, IT SUDDEN LY RELEASED, STRIKING THE EE'S HARD HAT. THE IMPACT OF THE HARD HAT LINER CUT THE EE'S RIGHT BROW AREA. BROW AREA REQUIRED STITCHES.

July 29, 2003 CA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator FALLING/SLIDING/ROLLING MATERIALS
Nestle Purina PetCare Company · Struck by flying object

EE WERNT TO LUNCH, MISPLACED HIS SAFETY GLASSES, WENT BACK TO WORK WITHOUT THE SAFETY GLASSES. AND SUBSEQUENTLY GOT SOMETHING IN HIS EYE. HE DID NOT NOTIFY SUPERVISOR UNTIL SEVERAL HOURS LATER .

2002 · 3 incidents

October 7, 2002 CA · Metal/Non-Metal mine manager, mine foreman, mine owner OTHER
Nestle Purina PetCare Company · (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE HAS A LONG TERM HISTORY OF BACK PROBLEMS, DUETO A PREVIOUS INJURY, AND FAMILY STRESS. EE STATED THAT DUE TO MENTAL STRESS ON THE JOB CAUSED BY HIS IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR, HIS BACK WAS HURTING TOO BADLY TO WORK ON 10-9-02 EE'S FIRST DAY OFF WORK WAS 10-9-02. ON 10-22-02 EE REQUESTED A PERSONAL LEAVE OF ABSENCE TO DEAL WITH FAMILY ISSUES WHEN TOLD LOA W/0 PAY HE STATED WORK RELATED.

March 21, 2002 CA · Metal/Non-Metal maintenance man, mechanic, repair/serviceman, boilermaker, fueler, tire tech, field service tech HANDLING OF MATERIALS
Nestle Purina PetCare Company · Caught in, under or between a moving and a stationary object

EE WAS RE-ASSEMBLING A CIRCULATION PUMP. HE SLIDE THE MECHANICAL SEAL ONTO THE SHAFT PINCHING HIS MIDDLE FINGER BETWEEN THE SEAL AND THE SHAFT COLLAR. THIS RESULTED IN TWO LACERATIONS TO THE E E'S RIGHT MIDDLE FINGER TIP.

March 4, 2002 CA · Metal/Non-Metal mine manager, mine foreman, mine owner OTHER
Nestle Purina PetCare Company · Inhalation of radiations, caustics, toxic and noxious substances

EMPLOYEE TOOK PERSONAL MEDICAL LEAVE ON 5-17-02. ON 6-5-02 EE CALLED TO SAY HIS ILLNESS MIGHT BE WORK RELATED. FURTHER MEDICAL TESTING WAS BEING SCHEDULED FOR HIM AT THE END OF THE MONTH. ON 6-13-02, EE PRESENTED US WITH A DWC-1 FORM AND ACLAIM WAS INITIATED. A FIRST REPORT OF INJURY/ ILLNESS HAS BEEN RECEIVED. CLAIM UNDER INVESTIGATION DUW TO PERSONAL MEDICAL HISTORY.

2001 · 2 incidents

August 10, 2001 CA · Metal/Non-Metal warehouseman, bagger, palletizer/stacker, store keeper, packager, fabricator, cleaning plant operator HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Ralston Purina Company · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS USING A UTILITY KNIFE TO CUT PLASTIC STRAPS OFF A PALLET OF EMPTY PAILS. HE WAS HOLDING THE KNIFE WITH THE BLADE UP, CUTTING TOWARDS HIS BODY INSTEAD OF AWAY FROM IT. HE APPLIED ENOUGH PRESSURE TO THE KNIFE THAT WHEN IT CUT THROUGH THE STRAP, THE MOTION HE USED CARRIED HIS HAND TOWARDS HIS FACE, CUTTING HIS CHEEK.

June 5, 2001 CA · Metal/Non-Metal electrician, lineman SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Ralston Purina Company · Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE WAS CLEANING THE REFLECTORS AT THE END OF THE PALLETIZER. THERE WERE SEVERAL DAMAGED BAGS ON THE FLOOR IN THIS AREA. AS THE EE STEPPED OVER THESE BAGS, HE SLIPPED AND FELL, STRIKING HIS BAC K ON THE FLOOR. AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT, THEEE DID NOT FEEL THE NEED TO BE SEEN BY A PHYSICIAN. HOWEVER ON 7-20-01, HE WAS STILL A LITTLE SORE AND OPTED TO GO TO THE DR.

2000 · 5 incidents

December 21, 2000 CA · Metal/Non-Metal electrician, lineman HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Ralston Purina Company · Struck by... (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS USING A BOX CUTTER TO CUT A PIECE OF CARDBOARD THE BLADE WAS NEW, AND EE CUT THRU THE CARDBOARD INTO HIS LEFT INDEX FINGER

December 20, 2000 CA · Metal/Non-Metal miner, nec DISORDERS (REPEATED TRAUMA)
Ralston Purina Company · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE CAME TO OFFICE TO REPORT A CUMULATIVE TRAUMA INJURY ORIGINATING BACK IN 1992. SHE CAME INTO OFFICE 12/20/00. THIS HAD NOT PREVIOUSLY BEEN REPORTED. SHE STATED THAT SHE HAD PAIN IN HER WRIS T SINCE '92 & THAT IT WAS GETTING WORSE. SHE WAS SENT OT DR FOR EVAULATION & SUBSEQUENTLY SURGERY WAS SCHEDULED 4/01. SHE IS EXPECTED TO RETURN TO WORK IN JUNE

November 21, 2000 CA · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman HANDTOOLS (NONPOWERED)
Ralston Purina Company · Over-exertion (Not Elsewhere Classified)

EE WAS USING A BOX CUTTER TO CUT CARDBOARD. SHE FELT MUSCLE STRAIN IN HER RIGHT FOREARM AFTER CUTTING FOR FOUR HOURS. EE DID NOT REPORT INCIDENT UNTIL 12-4. EE WAS SENT FOR MEDICAL EVALUATION AND WAS RELEASED TO RESTRICTED DUTY.

February 28, 2000 CA · Metal/Non-Metal laborer, blacksmith, bull gang, parts runner, roustabout, pick-up man, pitman OTHER
Ralston Purina Company · Struck by falling object

EE WAS WALKING BEHIND A DOUBLE STACK OF EMPTY PAILS. AS EE WALKED BY, ONE COLUMN TIPPE, FELL, AND STRUCK EE ON THE BACK OF THE HEAD AND UPPER BACK. EE WAS WEARING HER HARD HAT.

January 26, 2000 CA · Metal/Non-Metal mine manager, mine foreman, mine owner SLIP OR FALL OF PERSON
Ralston Purina Company · Fall to the walkway or working surface

EE WAS WALKING ON THE CEMENT OUTSIDE OF THE EE VENDING CORIDORE. IT HAD BEEN RAINING EARLIER IN THE DAY, AND THE AREA WAS SLIPPERY. EE FELT HIMSELF START TO FALL, AND PUT HIS ARM OUT TO HELP C ATCH HIS FALL. AS HE HIT THE CEMENT, HIS WEIGHT DISLOCATED HIS LEFT ELBOW.