REDWOOD CITY, CA – PWB fabricator Coastal Circuits has been fined $3,800 for failure to comply to state safety regulations governing rinse tanks. The fines comes some five months after a late-shift operator was found dead at the plant.

The fines levied included $1,800 for missing guardrails or covers on various tanks, $500 for not reporting employee use of formaldehyde, and $100 each for a series of 15 other minor infractions.

The state investigation was brought about by the Sept. 23 death of a Coastal Circuits employee named Fernando Jimenez Gonzalez, who was found face down in a vat in the factory. The vat, according to a Feb. 1 report by the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health, contained water and sulfuric acid.

Questions linger about how the 18-year-old Gonzalez died. On the night of Sept. 22, the report said, Gonzalez was dipping boards in an HCL bath. The tank measured 18" by 24" and was 36" deep. He was not wearing safety goggles, a respirator or smock, the report said.

According to published reports, the county coroner found no signs of trauma that would indicate foul play. Gonzalez’s left shoulder showed abrasions, but no acid burns were found on his body. No alcohol or drugs were found.

According to media reports, local police consider the death accidental and a closed case. However, the district attorney’s office continues to investigate Coastal Circuits’ possible criminal or civil liability. That probe is expected to wrap within a month.

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