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.
