Chicago Workers Compensation Lawyer Blog

A tragic Chicago, Illinois industrial accident has claimed the life of utility worker Michael Gryga. The 39-year-old Peoples Gas employee was testing equipment underground in the Loop on Wednesday afternoon when he and another worker were hit by a pressurized pipe.

One bystander, Kevin Spillers, was walking above ground when he saw dust floating out of the hole. He jumped in and helped remove sand from Gryga’s mouth and face to help him breathe.

Gryga, who sustained multiple injuries, died. The other worker was also critically injured.

Industrial Accidents
Over 1,00 workers die in the US each year because of industrial accident injuries. Common causes of industrial accidents:

• Gas exposure
• Falling objects
• Explosions
• Machinery defects
• Dangerous equipment
• Lack of the proper safety equipment

It doesn’t matter whether your Chicago, Illinois industrial accident was caused by someone’s negligence or carelessness. If you are employed, your employer will likely owe you and your family work injury benefits.

Chicago, Illinois Workers’ Compensation
Our Chicago, Illinois workers’ compensation lawyers cannot stress how important it is that an injured worker or his/her surviving family members file their work injury or death benefits immediately. You may even want to retain a Chicago work injury attorney to make sure that your employer’s insurer gives you everything you are owed without delay.

Utility worker killed in loop underground accident, ABC7 News, March 3, 2010

Frankfort man killed in Peoples Gas mishap downtown, Chicago Sun-Times, March 4, 2010

Related Web Resources:
Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission

US Department of Laborhttp://www.malmanlaw.com/lawyer-attorney-1199757.html

Continue reading "Utility Worker Dies in Chicago, Illinois Industrial Accident" »

A jury has awarded David English $12.1 million for spinal cord injuries he sustained during a refinery accident that left him paralyzed. English, a master electrician, severed his spinal cord and broke his neck when a stack of electrical cabinets fell on him, causing the 49-year-old to fall against steps. He is now a quadriplegic, can only breathe with the help of a ventilator, and lives in a nursing home. The defendants in the case included refinery owner Alon USA, refinery contractor Bay Ltd, and Universal Construction.

Refinery Accidents
Working at a refinery comes with occupational hazards that can cause serious injuries. This is why it is so important that employers make sure that safety measures are in place at all times so that workers are protected from toxic pollutants, hazardous chemicals, and other dangers that commonly occur on the job.

Examples of injuries that a refinery worker might sustain during a work accident:

• Burn injuries
• Lead poisoning
• Heat exposure
• Fall injuries
• Slip and fall injuries
• Chemical burns
• Asbestos-related illnesses
• Exposure to Silica
• Exposure to Benzene

Illinois Workers’ Compensation
You should submit your Illinois workers’ compensation claim as soon as possible so that you can start receiving your work injury benefits. Unfortunately, not all employers will give you the workers’ compensation benefits that you are owed, which is why getting legal help from an experienced Chicago workers' compensation attorney will work to your advantage. You may be able to file Illinois refinery accident lawsuits against liable third parties.

Nueces County jury awards $12.1M man paralyzed in refinery accident, Caller.com, February 4, 2010

Related Web Resources:
Illinois Workers' Compensation Act, Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission

Spinal Cord Injury, MayoClinic

Every year, thousands workers are killed during accidents that occur on the job. Hopefully, their families were entitled to death benefits through employers’ workers’ compensation plans. An injured worker and his/her family cannot sue an employer for personal injury, but the employee is usually entitled to Illinois work injury benefits regardless of who or what was the cause of the work accident.

With help of data from the Department of Labor, Forbes.com compiled a list of the most dangerous jobs in America for 2008. Included in the list:

• Fishing-related jobs. 50 fishing workers died in 2008. Dangerous weather, rough seas, and logistical challenges that can make it impossible to get help during emergency situations contribute to the high death risk these workers face in their line of work.

• 82 Logging workers died from work injuries. Faulty cutting equipment and falling trees were two common causes of logging deaths.

• 90 pilots aircraft pilots died in plane crashes and other work accidents.

• There were 37 structural iron and steel worker death. Common causes of worker fatalities included welding accidents, working at elevated heights, and working with heavy materials.

• 317 rancher and farmer deaths occurred. Heavy machinery hazards is the number one work danger for farm workers and ranchers.

• Traffic, dangerous materials, and heavy equipment are common reasons for recyclable and refuse material collector injuries. 31 workers died in 2008.

• 69 roofer deaths. Hot weather and the hazards of working at elevated heights are two of the most common work dangers for employees in this profession.

• 35 electrical power-line repairer and installer deaths. Electricity and working at elevated heights are two of the most common dangers these workers face.

• 815 trucker deaths. Traffic and fatigue were the two most common causes.

• 69 taxi driver and chauffer deaths. Navigating through traffic is the drivers’ number one work hazard.

Overall, transportation accidents was the most common cause of worker death. 2,053 workers died in vehicle-related crashes. 923 workers died from equipment accidents and objects-related injuries.

Regardless of your profession or the risks involved with doing your job, work accidents and illnesses do happen. An experienced Chicago, Illinois workers’ compensation law firm can make sure you receive all of the benefits that your employer’s insurer owes you.

Fishermen, loggers have most dangerous jobs, MSNBC, September 8, 2009

In Pictures: America's Deadliest Jobs, Forbes, August 26, 2009

Related Web Resources:
US Department of Labor

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

A boilermaker who says he was injured in a work accident is suing two companies for Illinois personal injury. Ronald McMillan was working at Conoco Phillips refinery on November 20, 2008 when a welding machine with a jack stand that he was moving collapsed, crushing his left foot.

McMillan is suing Miller Welding and Iron Works and DJ Miller Enterprises. He is alleging negligent design of a machine that had a jack stand that wasn’t strong enough to support it and the failure to warn of possible hazards. McMillan is seeking over $200,000 plus costs.

McMillan says the Illinois work accident caused him to suffer permanent and serious disabilities, experience great mental and physical pain and incur medical expenses. Because of his inability to work he contends that he lost significant income.

Illinois Workers’ Compensation
As an injured worker, you are likely entitled to Illinois workers’ compensation benefits from your employer. You may even be able to sue third parties that were responsible for your work injuries for personal injury compensation.

Illinois workers’ compensation usually entitles injured workers to compensation for all necessary medical services, including first aid, surgeries, hospital services, and doctors visits to heal or relieve the injury or illness. Benefits for disabilities and time taken off work are also provided. While you cannot sue your employer for personal injury, liable third parties are not exempt from being sued for personal injury or wrongful death. Obtaining injury compensation from these responsible parties may be critical--especially if your injuries are catastrophic.

Jack stand collapses, boilermaker claims in suit, The Record, November 23, 2009

Related Web Resources:
Illinois Workers' Compensation Benefits, Malman Law

Risk and Insurance Online

In Illinois, two gas plant workers were injured at a St. Elmo gas plant last Wednesday when a fire broke out. The Natural Gas Pipeline Company believes the fire started while welding was taking place on a ground storage tank that was holding natural gas. Witnesses say a number of blasts occurred as a result of the fire.

The two workers who got hurt were the ones engaged in the welding work. Investigators say the 10,000 gallon tank was supposed to only contain oil and waste water. They are trying to determine where a mistake was made.

Working with natural gas can be dangerous. Work injuries can occur during fires, chemical spills, fall accidents, refinery blasts, machinery accidents, while toxic gas is being released, or during other kinds of work accidents.

Burns, broken bones, internal injuries, disfigurement, severed limbs, crushed body parts, traumatic brain injuries, and spinal cord injuries are just some of the injuries that can result from a work accident at a gas plant.

Most workers are entitled to Illinois workers’ compensation benefits in the event that they are seriously injured and need to take time off. There also may be third parties that the worker can sue for Illinois personal injury. With so many factors possibly involved in causing a gas plant accident, a construction accident, or another kind of industrial accident that it can be hard to determine who is liable without consulting with a Chicago injury lawyer about your case.

Natural Gas Tank Explosion In St. Elmo, Illinois, Fox2Now, October 28, 2009

Fiery explosion injures 2 gas plant workers, Justice News Flash, November 3, 2009

Related Web Resources:
US Department of Labor

OSHA

Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission

Continue reading "Two Illinois Gas Plant Workers Injured in Fiery Blast" »

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued its list of the 10 most common workplace safety violations for the year:

• 9,093 Scaffolding violations: Most common causes of scaffolding accidents involve the support or planking giving way or the employee slipping or getting hit by a falling object.

• 6,771 Fall Protection violations: Workers in the general industry working at a height of four feet or greater must be adequately protected. In the construction arena workers must be protected when working at six feet or higher.

• 6,378 Hazard Communication violations: Chemical makers and importers must evaluate the hazards of their products and develop safety data sheets and labels so that downstream clients are made aware of these hazards.

• 3,803 Respiratory Protection violations: Workers must be protected against dangerous dusts, smokes, fogs, gases, mists, sprays, vapors, and inadequate oxygen environments. Failure to do so can result in lung impairment, cancer, and other diseases. It can also lead to deaths.

• 3,321 Lockout-Tag Out violations: Employees must be protected from hazardous energy released during maintenance or service. They also must be protected from the unexpected activation of equipment and machinery.

• 3,079 Electrical Wiring Violations: Electricians, engineers, sales people, office workers, and other employees must be protected from the hazards of working directly or indirectly with electricity.

• 3,072 Ladder violations: Falls from ladders can result in traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, and death. Fall accidents cause 8% of all occupational-related fatalities involving trauma.

• 2,993 Powered-Industrial Trucks violations: Tens of thousands of people are injured each year because of forklift accidents.

• 2,556 Electrical violations

• 2,364 Machine Guarding violations: Protecting workers from any part, process, or function that can injure or kill a worker.

Compared to same time period last year, the number of top 10 violations has gone up nearly 30%.

Regardless of who or what caused a work accident, most workers are entitled to Illinois workers’ compensation benefits.

OSHA Reports on Top 10 Safety Violations for 2009, Reuters.PR Newswire, October 27, 2009

Related Web Resources:

Continue reading "OSHA’s 2009 Top 10 Safety Violations " »

The last few days have been rough for at least three workers who sustained catastrophic injuries on the job. On Saturday, Seth Golbitz severed four fingers on his right hand during an industrial accident.

Doctors were able to reattach his index finger. However, they could not save his ring finger and middle finger. His pinkie now only extends up to his first knuckle.

Golbitz, 32, and another worker were using a computer-controlled overhead router when the work accident happened. OSHA is investigating the incident.

On Monday, a worker fell to his death at a CPS Energy coal plant. According to another worker, Toby Shane Berry was on an unsecured portion of a walkway that tipped. Berry lost his balance and fell approximately 30 feet. He died from fatal head injuries.

Even though the 27-year-old was wearing a safety harness, he did not secure it to anything.

Berry is the second person killed this year during a fall accident at the construction site. In January, Horatio Sepulveda was working on scaffolding when he fell.

Calaveras Power Partners, Berry’s employer, says the company requires that all workers be secured by two harnesses when working at elevated heights.

Also on Monday, another worker was sent to the hospital when he was buried alive during a construction accident. Cory A. Rogers was working in a 7-foot trench when he was covered by dirt and rocks. It took rescuers over an hour to dig him out.

Worker falls to death at power plant, My San Antonio, October 27, 2009

1 of Cranston worker's 4 fingers reattached, The Providence Journal, October 26, 2009

Bristol man remains in guarded condition following construction accident, MPN Now, October 27, 2009

Related Web Resources:
Construction Safety, CDC

Workers' Compensation Overview, Justia

Continue reading "Recent Industrial and Construction Accidents Result in Catastrophic Injuries" »

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration says the probe into the death of a 63-year-old janitor could take up to half a year. Dennis Woods, a Chicago resident, died following an Illinois work accident at Material Sciences Corp., an Elk Grove Village industrial company, on Wednesday.

According to Elk Grove Village Fire Battalion Chief William Sellers, Woods was attempting to place an 18,500 pound, 5,800 feet long steel coil onto a machine so it could get a paint finish when the heavy object fell on him.

He became trapped under the heavy object and died before rescuers arrived. It took firefighters several hours to extricate his body from under the coil.

Woods had been working for the industrial company for over 30 years.

Illinois Workers’ Compensation
If someone you love was killed during a work accident, you may be entitled to Illinois workers’ compensation benefits for your loved one’s death. Losing someone you love is always a tragedy. It can also take a huge financial toll, which is one of the reasons it is important that you receive your survivors’ benefits.

The spouse and children of a worker who had workers’ compensation are entitled to full benefits in the event of the employee's death. If there is no eligible husband, wife, son, or daughter, then the worker's totally dependent parents can receive the benefits.

Investigation into worker's death could take half a year: OSHA, Daily Herald, October 15, 2009

Man killed in Elk Grove Village workplace accident, Chicago Breaking News, October 14, 2009

Related Web Resources:
Workers' Compensation Benefits

ndustrial Accidents, Chicago Tribune

Continue reading "Chicago Worker Dies in Crush Accident at Industrial Company" »

Police are looking into a fatal work accident involving a worker who was crushed in a molding press at Buckhorn LLC on Wednesday night. The machine reportedly was malfunctioning.

31-year-old Toby Hall was in the machine when it was activated. The worker who was operating the machine thought Hall had left to get a tool so he activated the machine.

According to Occupational Safety and Health Administration records, the plant has received nine citations this year. Three of them were “serious” violations.

On Thursday, one worker was critically injured when he fell 130 feet. Jason Redke was on a platform helping secure a spout to the petal “leg” structure used for distributing grain to bins when the weld that held the spout to a crane came loose. The leg collapsed and along with Redke fell into a pile of rubble. During the collapse, another worker, 27-year-old Shawn Babbitt, fell some 30 feet from a bin top. Redke was hospitalized in critical condition while Babbitt was hospitalized in fair condition.

In another fatal work accident, Darrell T. Seiber died today when his coal truck drove off a mountain road. He may have been operating the truck at a vehicle faster than what was acceptable considering the road conditions. Seiber, 48, was a contract driver working for Cox Trucking.

A US Mine Safety and Health Administration spokesperson said that Seiber sustained fatal head injuries when he tried to jump out of the truck. The truck crash is considered a mining accident.

Our Chicago construction accident lawyers represent workers injured in Illinois construction accidents and other industrial accidents. We are also experienced Chicago workers’ compensation attorneys. This means that not only will we work to maximize the recovery you are owed from all liable third parties, but we can make sure your employer fully compensates you for your work injuries.

Workers say unusual break in weld caused man to be critically injured in 130-foot fall at Lake Odessa grain elevator, Mlive.com, October 8, 2009

Worker dies in crash on mine land, Knox News, October 9, 2009

Worker at plant crushed to death, News-Leader.com, October 9, 2009

A 33-year-old worker died on Monday after he was struck by stone slabs at a marble warehouse for injuries he sustained during an Chicago industrial accident on Wednesday. Gilbert Sandoval Ramirez was pronounced dead at John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital. According to police, Ramirez sustained blunt trauma and multiple fractures during the Chicago work accident.

Just the day before, in East Chicago, a female worker, 37, died at the ArcelorMittal Indiana Harbor Plant East during a work accident. Angela Smith also had sustained a blunt force trauma injury.

Blunt Force Trauma Injuries
Blunt force trauma usually involves injury to a certain area of the body caused by a sudden or heavy force that leads to trauma to that body part. A blunt force trauma injury can occur during fall accidents, when a swinging or falling object that is heavy strikes the worker, or during a machinery accident. Blunt force trauma injuries are frequently serious injuries that can prove fatal—especially if it affects the head or a major organ of the body.

Sometimes, there may not be any visual symptoms to indicate that a worker sustained a blunt trauma injury during a work accident. Common signs of blunt force trauma, however, can include:

• Bruising, which may be a sign of broken blood vessels
• Lacerations, which may indicate that there is tissue tearing or organ damage
• Abrasions

It is important to file your Chicago workers’ compensation paperwork with your employer as soon as possible after your work injury accident.

OSHA investigates death of warehouse employee on West Side, Chicago Sun-Times, July 27, 2009

Mittal worker, 37, dies of blunt force trauma at E.C. steel mill, NWI Times, July 27, 2009

Related Web Resources:
Blunt Force Trauma, ExploreForensics.Co.UK

OSHA

Continue reading "OSHA Investigates Fatal Chicago Work Accident in Humboldt Park" »

An Illinois worker died in an East Alton industrial accident on Saturday. According to the Madison County Coroner’s Office, Michael B. Niswandir was hit in the chest by industrial machinery.

Niswandir’s death is not the only tragic work accident to recently happen involving work machinery. On Monday, a warehouse worker died after getting entangled in a cardboard recycling shredder. An investigation is pending.

Examples of Work Machine Injuries:
• Crushed hands and fingers
• Amputated arms
• Lost fingers
• Eye injuries
• Broken or crushed legs
• Nerve damage
• Burn injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Blindness
• Spinal cord injuries
• Dismemberment
• Wrongful death

Examples of Industrial Machinery that Can Cause Serious Injuries:
• Printing presses
• Power saws
• Cranes
• Tractor-trailers
• Power saws
• Punch presses
• Drills
• Grinders
• Shearing machines

Because of the nature of an industrial worker’s job, catastrophic injuries may make it impossible for the worker to ever go back to work again. This is why it is important that you start receiving the Illinois workers’ compensation benefits that you are owed in a timely manner.

We know how important it is to make sure that you start getting the medical care that you need to treat your injuries and for your family to receive the financial support provided by your job.

Cottage Hills man killed in workplace accident at Olin Brass, BND.com, July 12, 2009

L.A. Worker Killed in Cardboard Recycling Shredder, Fox News, July 13, 2009

Related Web Resources:
Machinery Accidents, Wrong Diagnosis

Department of Industrial Accidents, Labor and Workforce Development

Continue reading "Cottage Hills Worker Dies in East Alton Industrial Accident" »

It’s only Tuesday and already several workers have been seriously injured or killed in US work accidents this week. Hopefully, their workers’ compensation benefits can help cover costs incurred from the accident and provide financial relief.

Yesterday, three workers died while in a liquid-filled hole at a waste transfer plant. Authorities say the workers appear to have been overcome by toxic fumes. Two of the people that died were a father and a son.

The hole was 18-feet deep and had about four feet of liquid in it. One worker fell into the hole. A second worker tried to rescue him. A third worker that was trying to assist the two workers also fell into the hole. Firefighters say that by the time they arrived at the work accident site, the three bodies were face down in the liquid. Authorities say there were toxic levels of hydrogen sulfide in the air. The plant is run by M & P Reali Enterprises.

Also on Monday, a 53-year-old worker died after he was run over by the tractor he was operating. Reginaldo Correa Talamantes, 53, got caught under the vehicle's rear wheel. He was pronounced dead at the work accident site.

In an unrelated work accident in another US state, foreman John Evans’s leg was crushed while he was trying to line up the milling machine. He tripped and fell in front of the machine. The machine operator did not see Evans and ran over his leg.

Sustaining a catastrophic injury in any accident is a traumatic and devastating event that not only causes great pain and injury to the victim and his or her family, but it also can dramatically impact the worker's ability to work and earn a living. This is why it is important that you receive all of the Illinois workers’ compensation benefits that you are owed.

Willows orchard worker killed in tractor accident, ChicoER.com, June 30, 2009

Worker's leg crushed in road milling accident, The Herald-Mail, June 30, 2009

3 Workers Dead at Waste Plant in Queens, NY Times, June 29, 2009

Related Web Resources:
Illinois Industrial Commission

Continue reading "Catastrophic Work Accidents on Monday Lead to Injuries and Deaths" »

A blast at a Slim Jim meat products plant today injured at least 38 people. As of this report, 2 others are missing. 5 of the injured parties—including three firefighters—are in serious condition. 4 of these critically injured patients have burns in 40 – 60% of their bodies.

The majority of the other injured parties were treated and released. One man, who sustained burns on his arms, head, and legs said that his clothes had to be cut off him. Smoke inhalation and exposure to ammonia—a toxic cloud was floating around the plant after the explosion—are among the other injury concerns.

Authorities are still trying to locate the remaining missing people. A third person that was missing has been found and was taken to a hospital.

Some 300 people were in the plant when the blast occurred, causing parts of the roof to collapse. At this time, the cause of the blast is not known.

The Slim Jim plant is a ConAgra Foods plant. The state had inspected the plant last July and there were no reports of violations—although there have been reported violations in the past.

Ammonia
Commonly used as a refrigerant in food processing plants, including meatpacking plants, ammonia gas can prove dangerous to workers’ health. Ammonia can burn the eyes and skin. During an ammonia leak, an ammonia cloud can cause swelling and burning to occur to the lung, nose, and throat passages. Exposure to serious ammonia leaks can lead to pulmonary edema, permanent eye or lung problems, or infectious diseases. Regular exposure to ammonia over a long period of time can lead to excess mucus or bronchitis.

If you are a worker who sustained burn injuries or ammonia-related injuries or any other type of injuries in a work-related explosion, you need to report your injuries as soon as possible so you can start receiving your Illinois workers’ compensation benefits. In the event that a dispute over benefits arises, you should consider exploring your legal options.

3 critical, 2 missing after Slim Jim plant explosion, CNN, June 9, 2009

Four critically burned in Slim Jim plant explosion, roof collapse, WRAL, June 9, 2009

Ammonia, UCFW

Related Web Resources:
ConAgra Foods

Meatpacking Industry, OSHA

Continue reading "Slim Jim Plant Blast Injures Over 30 People" »

A worker is in the hospital after he was injured in an electrical accident on Tuesday afternoon. Brian Arnold was testing an electrical line when his tools made a flash burn happened. He sustained second-degree burns from the work accident. According to a supervisor, Arnold was wearing the required goggles, helmet, gloves, and uniform and that this likely minimized his injuries.

In another electrical accident that occurred last week, a 38-year-old construction worker sustained burn injuries on his feet and hands when the crane he was operating came into contact with a live electrical line. The electrical shock threw the worker into a pool of water. Paramedics had to wait until the power was turned off before they were able to retrieve him.

Electrical Power Line Accidents
Electrical power lines can be a cause of work injuries in the event that a worker comes into contact with a live power line. Crane operators, painters, and construction workers are just a few of the groups at risk of getting really hurt in an electrical power line accident. In certain instances, the use of certain tools around power lines, such as metal ladders, scaffolds, backhoes, cranes, aluminum paint holders, and concrete pumpers, can increase the chances of an electrical accident happening on the job.

In the event that you are injured in an Illinois work accident, you need to let your employer know immediately so that you can receive your workers’ compensation benefits as soon as possible.

In an ideal world, obtaining workers’ compensation should be an instant, automatic process. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. However, Chicago workers’ compensation lawyer Steven J. Malman can make sure that you receive all the work injury benefits that you are entitled to receive.

Man Suffers Burns After Industrial Accident In Lebanon, WCPO.com, June 2, 2009

Construction worker in hospital due to electrical accident, 680 News, May 25, 2009

Related Web Resources:
How to Prevent Electrical Accidents

Electrical Accidents, CDC

OSHA is issuing an Advanced Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on combustible dust dangers. This issue is important, considering that over 130 US workers have died and more than 780 others were hurt in work explosions involving combustible dust since 1980. Just last month, three workers sustained burn injuries from an Illinois work accident during a combustible dust blast at a pet food plant.

US Secretary of Labor says that many combustible dust explosion-related catastrophic injuries and deaths were preventable. This is why OSHA is now taking the steps to make sure that workers are protected while on the job.

Combustible Dust Blasts
Combustible dust can consist of wood, magnesium, paper, aluminum, coal, plastic, flour, rubber, sugar and other materials that have been finely ground into fine chips, fibers, flakes, particles, or chunks. These are the types of combustible dust that when suspended in air under certain conditions can cause an explosion or blast.

The force of impact from a combustible blast can kill people and destroy entire buildings. Industries where combustible blast hazards exist include those involving: pharmaceuticals, grain, plastics, tobacco, paper, wood, rubber, pulp, textiles, furniture, pesticides, coal, dyes, aluminum, magnesium, iron, chromium, zinc, and fossil fuel power generation.

In 2006, the US Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board recommended that the federal government develop stricter combustible dust controls. The board said these tougher dust standards would save lives. It also encouraged OSHA to implement standards that the National Fire Protection Association had developed.

US Rep. George Miller (D-Calif) had also introduced a bill to force changes to be made to dust regulations. While his legislation passed in the US House in April 2008, the Senate did not act on it. He reintroduced the bill this year.

Our Chicago workers’ compensation law firm can make sure you receive all the benefits you are owed for your combustible dust blast injuries.

OSHA : Rulemaking on Combustible Dust Hazards, Powder and Bulk, May 12, 2009

OSHA moves to toughen combustible dust rules, Courier-Journal, May 10, 2009

Related Web Resources:
Combustible Dust, OSHA

House passes Combustible Dust protections, Union Review, April 30, 2008

Continue reading "Illinois Workers' Compensation Law Firm: Occupational Safety and Health Administration to Propose Combustible Dust Hazards-Related Rulemaking " »

According to the Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board, the blast that killed to workers at the Bayer Crop Science Chemical plant in August was caused by human error and management decisions. The federal agency also determined that Bayer had tried to conceal details about the work accident, arguing that portions of the board’s report did not have to be disclosed per antiterrorist legislation. Now, the US Attorney’s Office may conduct an investigation to determine whether Bayer engaged in criminal conduct.

The deadly blast took place on August 28, 2008 at around 10:30pm in the “residue treater” of the unit where the plant manufactures methomyl, a raw material used to make an insecticide called Larvin. The production process that took place that night was unusually hazardous because it was the unit’s first start-up following a three-month shutdown—both procedures can be dangerous. Also, a new computer control system had been installed during the renovation period and Bayer had yet to set up a proper operating procedure or training system.

An undersized heater used for the unit was not creating enough heat. As a result, workers had to deactivate two safety valves so more methomyl could enter the treater in order to generate more heat. Also, workers neglected to add a solvent, which let the methomyl concentration hit dangerous levels. According to the board, the Bayer management’s system failed and let the operators make these decisions. Also, worker fatigue may have been a factor because the two workers who were killed in the blast, 58-year-old Bill Oxley and 45-year-old Barry Withlow, had been regularly working 12- to 18- hour shifts without any time off.

Among the errors and management decisions cited was the violation of safety protocols. Bayer plant manager Nick Crosby said the company is trying to learn from the deadly work incident and has implemented more operational procedures, additional training, safety improvements, and a compliance structure. Chemical safety board chairman John S. Bresland says the Bayer plant is one of the most dangerous chemical plants in the US.

Chemical Plant Injuries
Many chemical accidents are a result of negligence or recklessness actions by the chemical plant owner, the manufacturer of defective machinery, or another liable party. Not only are injured workers likely entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, but there may be parties that are not the worker’s employer that can be held liable for personal injury or wrongful death.

Safety Panel Cites Errors in Blast at Chemical Plant, New York Times, April 23, 2009

Report Released on Institute Chemical Plant Explosion, WSAZ, April 23, 2009

Related Web Resources:
Bayer Plant Cited for 13 Serious Violations Including Safety, Huntingtonnews.net, February 27, 2009

Bayer CropScience

Continue reading "Worker Deaths At Chemical Plant Caused by Human Error" »

Three workers were injured earlier this month when an explosion occurred at an East Chicago steel plant. The workers, 36-year-old Tracy Sandoval, 41-year-old James Broviak, and 55-year-old Jeff Schnebel, were at a blast furnace slag pit when the work accident happened. All three workers are subcontractors.

Sandoval sustained a serious head injury, and Schnebel, who sustained third-degree burns, is being treated at the University of Chicago Medical Center’s Burn Unit. Broviak sustained minor injuries. Local police say the explosion occurred when a large quantity of slag was placed in the water.

Working at a steel plant can be a dangerous job. Employees are dealing with heavy machinery and certain hazardous materials. This is why it is so important that the proper safety procedures are implemented and workers are properly trained, supervised, and equipped with the correct gear. Also, all equipment and machinery at the work site must be properly maintained and operated safely and correctly.

Injuries sustained in a machinery accident or a steel plant blast can result in catastrophic injuries for the workers involved. The worker may need weeks or longer to recover and there is a possibility that he or she may never be able to work again.

You must take the proper steps to make sure that you receive all of the workers’ compensation benefits you are owed. Retaining the services of an experienced workers’ compensation attorney can ensure that you are paid on time and that any disputes with your employer’s insurer are successfully dealt with by someone who is advocating on your behalf. Your lawyer can also determine if any liable third parties should be sued for personal injury.

Slag explosion injures three at ArcelorMittal mill in East Chicago, Post-Tribune, February 17, 2009

Accident at East Chicago steel plant under investigation, NWI.com, February 16, 2009

Two workers still hospitalized after explosion at ArcelorMittal steel mill in East Chicago, Post-Tribune, February 19, 2009

Related Web Resource:
Industrial Accidents, Chicago Tribune

Continue reading "East Chicago Steel Plant Explosion Injures Three Workers" »

In Chicago, a Melrose Park resident suffered fatal injuries when he was fatally crushed while working a machine at an envelope factor. Hiep Vu’s coworkers say they found him stuck in the rollers of the machine. Chicago Fire Department workers were called to Cenveo Inc. and they transported the 54-year-old Illinois worker to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center where he was later pronounced dead.

The Occupational Health and Safety Administration is investigating the cause of the deadly industrial accident.

Common causes of machinery accidents:

• Defective machinery
• Dangerous machinery due to poor safety features or design
• Toxic fumes emission
• Lack of safety equipment
• Inadequate training
• Improper maintenance
• Failure to replace old machinery

Each year, many industrial workers sustain disabling and other catastrophic injuries because they were involved in machinery accidents. In many cases, workers end up losing a limb of seriously lacerating a finger or getting fatally injured because their bodies were crushed by machinery. These injuries are not only difficult to fully recover from, but they can impair a worker's ability to hold another job in his or her field while severely limiting the ability to earn a proper living.

It is the job of an industrial worker’s employer to make sure that employees work in a safe environment and that all safeguards are in place to prevent accidents from happening. Machine manufacturers and machinery maintenance companies are also obligated to make sure that machines are in safe, working condition.

There are steps you can take to make sure that your employer’s insurer pays you all of the Illinois workers’ compensation benefits that you are owed and that the payments are made to you in a timely manner.

Man Crushed In Northwest Side Factory, CBS2Chicago, February 11, 2009

Related Web Resources:
Occupational Safety and Health Administration

Cenveo Inc

Continue reading "Chicago Worker Dies in Machinery Crush Accident" »

In the United States, a steel mill worker who became paralyzed to the waist down after he fell from a ladder was awarded a $48 million work injury lawsuit against a subcontractor. Anthony Arciniega sustained a spinal cord injury after he fell 17 feet in 2004.

The 42-year-old worker fell because of the refractory concrete that was covering the ladder. Arciniega’s personal injury lawsuit contends that contractor Minteq International’s negligence contributed to his catastrophic work accident. The jury also decided that the steel mill where the accident occurred should be required to pay half of the $48 million verdict.

Arciniega is now a paraplegic. During the civil trial, coworker and his doctors testified that he went back to work in a wheelchair even though he was experiencing nerve pain. Arciniega says he returned to work within six months of the accident because he needed to support his family.

If you have been injured in a work accident, you may not be able to sue your employer for personal injury, but you may have grounds to file a claim against a liable third party. You are also likely entitled to Illinois workers’ compensation benefits.

A spinal cord injury can occur when a vertebrae gets dislocated or fractured by a blow. The damage can wear into cord tissues and put pressure on certain nerves. This can lead to paralysis. Depending on the degree of paralysis, a person’s ability to move and live a normal life can be severely impaired.

According to Brain and Spinal Cord.org, some of the many effects of paralysis:

• Brain damage
• Speech problems
• Behavioral difficulties
• Blood clots
• Constipation
• Loss of bowel control
• Sexual dysfunction
• Blood sores
• Circulation problems
• Breathing problems

Paralyzed Steelworker Wins $48 Million Verdict, The Huffington Post, December 15, 2008

Signs and Symptoms of Paralysis, BrainandSpinalCord.org

Spinal Cord Injuries, MedlinePlus

A wastewater treatment plant worker died on Friday after he was crushed in a temporary conveyor belt collapse accident. Workers were moving the belt, which was being used to take out grit from sewage, when it collapsed, buckling in the middle and falling on 45-year-old Gennaro Montello.

A contractor used his forklift to free Montello, just as emergency workers arrived at the accident scene. The worker was pronounced dead a few hours later at a local hospital. He leaves behind his wife and two children.

A second worker, Joseph DiGiovanni, was injured while trying to rescue Montello from under the conveyor belt. On Friday, DiGiovanni was at a hospital in stable condition.

An investigation is being conducted into the cause of the work accident, including whether there were flaws in the construction of the 34-foot-long, 3-foot wide construction belt, which weighs several thousand pounds. Contracting company WDF provided the conveyor belt.

Conveyor Belt Accidents
According to the US Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 50 work injury deaths involving conveyor belts occur every year. There are steps that conveyor belt manufacturers can take to make sure their products are safe for use. Employers can also properly train and safely equip workers so that they minimize the risk of conveyor belt-related injuries and deaths.

Conveyor belts that are improperly guarded or arranged in a hazardous manner, as well as conveyor equipment that is designed defectively or malfunctions are common causes of work injuries and deaths. Unsafe loading of the belt can also lead to injuries. Conveyor belt-related injuries can include crush injuries, broken bones, ergonomic injuries, head injuries from falling debris, and internal injuries.

City worker's grieving wife said husband died in 'freak accident', Daily News, January 11, 2009

City Worker Crushed to Death at Sewage Plant in Brooklyn, New York TImes, January 9, 2009

Related Web Resources:

Conveyor Safety Information & Resources, Cisco

Occupational Safety and Health Administration

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