SAN LEANDRO, CA – Alco Iron and Metal, a long-standing metal scrapyard company, is under intense scrutiny following the death of 41-year-old Luis Fernando Guerrero. Guerrero, who was fatally crushed by a forklift on January 8, is the third employee to die in a work-related accident at Alco in the past eight years.
The company, which operates multiple facilities across California, has been in business since 1953. Despite its established presence, Alco faces criticism for its safety practices, with three documented fatalities since 2017.
In addition to Guerrero’s tragic death, two other employees have lost their lives due to workplace accidents. In March 2022, Roy Alfaro was killed when a heavy copper bundle fell on him at the Stockton facility. In June 2017, Alberto Anaya died after being struck by machinery at the same location. These incidents highlight the potential dangers of working in metal recycling.
Former OSHA inspector Garrett Brown, who has previously cited Alco for safety violations, described the company’s record as concerning. He noted a history of employee injuries and fatalities, pointing to a pattern of inadequate safety measures.
Cal/OSHA, tasked with ensuring workplace safety, is currently grappling with staffing shortages. The agency has only 154 inspectors statewide, despite being authorized for 268 positions, which limits its ability to effectively oversee companies like Alco.
State records show that Alco has been cited 64 times since 1991 for various safety violations, accidents, and near misses. The company’s safety record is particularly troubling when compared to larger competitors, such as Snitzer Steel in Oakland, which has a better safety record despite its size.
Cesar Zamora, a former employee and friend of Guerrero, expressed concerns about Alco’s safety culture. He highlighted language barriers that prevent some workers from understanding safety protocols, putting them at greater risk.
Alco’s management initially agreed to discuss these issues but later issued a statement through their COO. The statement emphasized the company’s commitment to safety and regular employee training. However, Zamora believes that more needs to be done to ensure worker safety and prevent further tragedies.