Convenience store cook died from smoke inhalation

The following report is the product of our Cooperative State partner and is presented here in its original unedited form from the state. The findings and conclusions in this report are those of the individual Cooperative State partner and do not necessarily reflect the views or policy of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health.

SUMMARY

A 53-year-old female convenience store cook was working in an unopened store preparing food for the upcoming morning when fire broke out near the store entrance. While workA 53-year-old female convenience store cook was working in an unopened store preparing food for the upcoming morning when fire broke out near the store entrance. While working in the kitchen, the employee did not see the fire until smoke reached the kitchen. She called 911 from her cell phone to indicate that she couldn't get out of the building; Smoke and fire impeded exit through the front door and emergency exit door (the two designated means of egress), and the decedent was found by firefighters in the back store room near the northwest delivery door. No smoke detection system was present in the building.ing in the kitchen, the employee did not see the fire until smoke reached the kitchen. She called 911 from her cell phone to indicate that she couldn't get out of the building; Smoke and fire impeded exit through the front door and emergency exit door (the two designated means of egress), and the decedent was found by firefighters in the back store room near the northwest delivery door. No smoke detection system was present in the building.

Convenience store cook died from smoke inhalation [PDF 633 KB]