2 workers injured on the job after explosion; employer violations
Workers in the industrial business may often be exposed to hazardous working conditions. The majority of these companies take necessary precautions in order to protect the health and well-being of their employees. Unfortunately, there was a recent report concerning two workers who were injured on the job after an explosion. This incident did not occur in Massachusetts, but workers everywhere may be concerned about their safety while at work.
The explosion was apparently the result of two men using a blowtorch to cut through piping in order to make changes to the wooden supply lines that carry gas. According to the report, the residual gas was not vented before the workers commenced the cutting. The resulting explosion caused injuries to one employee’s lower extremity while another employee has been permanently disabled.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) conducted a thorough inspection following this accident. The company was reportedly found to have violated several safety protocols, including two willful violations. Additionally, the company was cited for seven other serious breaches of safety. A representative from OSHA stated that the explosion and resulting injuries could have been avoided had the employer ensured that workers were properly trained and safety measures had been followed.
Some of the violations cited included the absence of safety guards to protect from flying debris and industrial machinery that was not properly maintained or inspected. The company may be facing over $93,000 in fines and has 15 days to contest the findings. The injured workers most likely will qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. Understandably, Massachusetts workers may also be concerned about being injured on the job; however, workers here may also be covered by this program, which helps provide financial assistance in the event one is hurt on the job. Furthermore, if one needs help filing a claim for workers’ compensation, there are experienced resources that can provide assistance.
Source: staugustine.com, “2 workers injured following explosion at Indianhead Biomass services; willful and serious safety violations cited“, , Aug. 21, 2014
Source: staugustine.com, “2 workers injured following explosion at Indianhead Biomass services; willful and serious safety violations cited“, , Aug. 21, 2014
