KTLA.com reports that one worker has died and two others are in critical condition after they were exposed to toxic chemical fumes while inside a blood storage tank at a medical facility in Los Angeles.
According to the article, the workplace accident was reported to authorities shortly before 4 a.m. when two workers, who were cleaning the tank, were overcome by the toxic chemical fumes. A third worker collapsed while attempting to help his co-workers. When emergency personnel arrived, they found the man in a hallway without a pulse. He was revived with CPR, but later died at a hospital due to severe exposure to the toxic chemical fumes. The two other workers were found inside the blood storage tank and were immediately taken to a local hospital, and are in grave condition.
The article states that the workers were cleaning the empty tank when they were overcome by the toxic fumes. The Los Angeles workplace accident is currently under investigation, and investigators have stated that they are looking to see whether the facility was obeying safety and health laws.
In workplaces where dangerous chemicals or other hazardous equipment are present, businesses must follow certain safety rules, as regulated by state and federal laws. Workers must follow procedures carefully to ensure their safety as well as the safety of their co-workers. Unfortunately, often business owners or managers ignore rules to save on costs or don’t communicate clearly with their workers, and workplace accidents occur. On the job accidents can result in devastating injuries or even death, which can be particularly painful for a victim’s family if it is discovered the accident could have been prevented if safety regulations had been properly followed.
If you have been severely injured while at work, or if you have lost a loved one in a workplace accident, contact the Los Angeles personal injury attorneys at Panish Shea & Boyle LLP. Our lawyers have a successful track record that is unmatched in personal injury litigation. Call 1-877-800-1700 to schedule a free consultation today.
An explosion of a natural gas pipeline in North Texas has killed three people and 10 others may be missing, according to a Reuters article. Reportedly, eight workers from Brazos Electric were digging and drilling holes near a pipe to put up power lines when the gas line was hit, initiating the explosion.
Five employees endured burn injuries in the explosion accident and were taken to the Glen Rose Medical Center where they are listed in stable condition. The 36-inch pipeline transported natural gas within the borders of Texas and is owned by Enterprise Products Partners.
Despite detailed workplace rules and regulations issued by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), explosion accidents continue to take place at construction sites and other work environments. It is an employer’s responsibility to properly notify employees about potential hazards through training, alarm systems, labeling, chemical data documentation, color-coded systems and other procedures.
When employees are injured at work, workplace accident lawsuits may be filed to help an injured worker receive compensation for permanent disability, loss of past and future earnings, pain and suffering, and much more. Although workers’ compensation benefits may compensate for some damages, the amount may not be sufficient enough to assist a seriously injured employee in the way that he or she needs. Depending on the circumstances of the accident, third parties may also be liable for damages caused by workplace accidents, including manufacturers of defective equipment or toxic substances and owners of dangerous premises.
If you have been injured in an explosion accident, the personal injury lawyers at Panish Shea & Boyle will work diligently to ensure that you receive full and just compensation for your injuries. Our injury attorneys are nationally recognized for our achievements in personal injury law. To learn more about how we can assist you with your case, please call 877-800-1700 for a free consultation or visit www.psblaw.com for more information.
A report on the Daily Bruin UCLA website reported that a 22-year-old lab assistant has died in a work accident in Los Angeles after sustaining second and third degree burns covering 40 percent of her body. Phil Hampton, a UCLA campus official said that they were in contact with family.
Hampton said, “This is a tragic accident that saddens the campus community.”
The woman was involved in a chemical fire on December 29, 2008 in a UCLA molecular science building. She was working with the extremely flammable compound t-butyl lithium. While extracting the t-butyl lithium, the stopper became unfastened, causing the fire. A coworker rushed to put out the flames and the assistant was taken to the UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center. Afterwards she was taken to the Grossman Burn Center in Sherman Oaks where she sadly passed away. Hampton stated that the Health and Safety department was conducting an investigation into the fire.
Hampton added, “Lab safety is an important campus priority, and as a result of this tragic accident, lab safety protocols are being reviewed to ensure that a tragedy like this doesn’t happen again.”
Mistakes happen in the workplace, just as they do in other parts of life. But when an avoidable mistake in the workplace causes death or a lifelong disability, that explanation just isn’t enough. Statistics show that most burns acquired at home or at work are caused by preventable accidents, such as unattended cooking, dropped cigarettes or children playing with matches and lighters. Many others are the result of product defects and carelessness like bad electrical wiring, flammable furnishings and clothing. In workplaces involving open flames or chemicals, carelessness and lack of safety precautions are often to blame.
If you or a loved has been involved in a fire accident, contact the knowledgeable and experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyers at Panish, Shea, and Boyle. We have established ourselves as a premiere law firm and have a proven success record. Please call 1-866-992-1700 for a free consultation.
