Workplace accident sends custodian to burn unit

For the most part, those who work in a high school likely feel relatively safe as they complete their job responsibilities.  There is little heavy machinery or toxic materials, for example. However, no workplace in Massachusetts is completely free from all dangers. For example, a custodian in a different state was recently injured in a workplace accident involving a boiler.

According to reports, the custodian was attempting to light a boiler one day in early December at a high school. Unfortunately, the boiler could not contain the fire. The resulting eruption burned the man.

A representative for the county declined to release the man’s identity but did state that the victim was expected to be transported to a burn unit. While there was no fire, the school filled with smoke resulting in an evacuation of staff and students. All were able to return once the smoke cleared.

The extent of the man’s injuries are unclear at this time, but his recovery may be lengthy and prevent him from working in the meantime, creating financial stress in a time when he should only have to think about his physical recovery. Fortunately, those who are injured in a workplace accident in Massachusetts are often entitled to workers’ compensation insurance benefits. Despite being entitled to these benefits, many find the path to compensation is complicated. Because the last thing a person recovering from serious injuries needs to worry about is haggling with an insurance company, some ask an experienced professional to negotiate on their behalf. By doing so, they are better equipped to seek all of the compensation to which they may be entitled.

Source: heraldcourier.com, “Tazewell High School employee burned in boiler accident“, Jim Talbert, Dec. 11, 2015