**Another Business Shut Down in Tijuana Following Employee Death**
Tijuana, November 7, 2024 – In a tragic incident, another company situated in Tijuana has been closed after a worker’s death. The victim, a 32-year-old employee, was crushed by a forklift while on the job at Procesadora Sacome S.A. de C.V. The fatal accident occurred on the afternoon of November 5 along Oriente Street in the El Realito neighborhood, adjacent to the Tijuana-Tecate highway.
During a recent press conference, Secretary-General Arnulfo Guerrero León from the XXV City Hall of Tijuana spoke about the incident alongside Mayor Ismael Burgueño Ruiz. They emphasized the ongoing inspection of all businesses within the city to ensure compliance with safety regulations. “We are firm in our approach and ask citizens to report any irregularities at their workplace for prompt inspection,” Guerrero León stated.
Despite inquiries into how many businesses have been inspected to date, no specific numbers were disclosed.
**Prime Wheel’s Closure and Reopening: A Background**
In a similar incident, Prime Wheel faced scrutiny following an employee’s death on October 21. Eduardo Ortiz Franco was crushed by industrial machinery, a task reportedly outside his usual duties. This incident, along with the mysterious disappearance of employee Servando Salazar on August 23, unveiled various regulatory lapses at Prime Wheel, leading to its temporary closure on October 22.
Prime Wheel was allowed to resume operations at one of its plants after addressing the regulatory gaps and paying a hefty fine of 10 million pesos. The Secretary-General detailed the irregularities found at Prime Wheel, including missing municipal and state permits, lack of a civil protection program, and inadequate safety measures.
A routine monthly inspection has been mandated moving forward to ensure ongoing compliance. Despite fulfilling current documentation requirements, Prime Wheel remains under watch to safeguard future adherence to safety standards.
**Increased Safety Inspections Follow Industry Incidents**
Following these incidents, the Tijuana Secretariat of Labor and Social Welfare (STYPS) and the Ministry of the Environment and Sustainable Development (SMADS) have ramped up inspections across businesses. The goal is to prevent further workplace tragedies by ensuring all establishments meet required safety measures.
These steps underscore the city’s commitment to maintaining safe working environments and holding companies accountable for regulatory compliance. The focus remains sharp on preventing negligence and fostering a culture of safety awareness in the workplace.