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According to Cleveland.com, a fire broke out at the Republic Steel plant in Lorain, Ohio around 2 p.m. on November 30. The plant was in the “hot commissioning” phase of steel production when flames shot upwards through the upper decks of the building. The flames grew after “[a] heat source found its way into the oxygen supply system for a new electrical arc furnace,” according to the Lorain Fire Department Captain.
Approximately 12 workers were present in the plant when the fire broke out. Of those 12, five suffered injuries such as “burns, broken bones, cuts and scrapes and smoke inhalation” according to the Captain. Emergency crews rushed the injured to Mercy Regional Medical Center. Thankfully, the fire crews extinguished the blaze in less than an hour without any injuries to their team.
The damages will likely amount to upwards of one million dollars, according to the Captain’s estimate. Earlier this month, Republic Steel was the talk of the town for investing $85.2 million to reopen the plant they had closed in 2008 and to install a brand new arc furnace. The investment would create 450 jobs to the Lorain community. A rebounding auto industry and a speculative oil boom have increased demand for Ohio-based steel. The newly installed arc furnace fed oxygen to the flames resulting in a “huge blow torch,” according to the captain.
I Was Burned In An Industrial Accident And I Need An Attorney
Republic Steel will likely receive an OSHA investigation soon to see if improved safety precautions would have prevented the workers’ injuries. If you were injured in a factory explosion or fire, we can help. Our workers’ compensation attorneys have been successfully defending the rights of workers injured at the hands of negligent employers for over 80 years. We have the necessary experience and resources to bring your negligent employer to justice and deliver the full compensation that you deserve. For more information or free legal advice, contact us. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation, call today at (614) 221-7548.
[Did You Know: Ohio is one of four remaining monopolistic states where there is no competition among providers.]
Larrimer & Larrimer, LLC—Columbus Workers Comp Attorneys