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Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) officials have fined an Ohio shipping company $86,900 for a chemical spill that exposed workers to fire and explosion hazards. An investigation discovered that a forklift punctured a barrel of tetrahyrofuran, a highly flammable liquid.
According to OSHA, the shipping company lacked an emergency response plan and did not train employees to act as first responders. In addition, the company did not provide employees with adequate protection gear to handle hazardous chemicals. OSHA has cited the company in the past for similar workplace safety violations.
Several weeks ago, we wrote a blog post about chemical exposure and occupational illnesses, such as popcorn lung or cancer. However, this is not the first time Ohio workers have been exposed to dangerous materials, and chemical exposure has more immediate risks for injury that need to be addressed.
Do Burn Injuries Qualify for Workers’ Comp Benefits?
Flammable and explosive liquids can expose workers to the risk of significant burn injuries. Like other injuries, burns can vary in intensity. First-degree burns are minor injuries while third-degree burns are potentially fatal. Workers who suffer third-degree burns could require an extensive period of rehabilitation in addition to facing permanent disability.
Fortunately, workers who have suffered burn injuries are eligible to receive workers’ comp or disability benefits. Depending on the circumstances that led to the accident, injured workers might have other options for compensation.
Larrimer & Larrimer, LLC is dedicated to helping survivors of work accidents receive the compensation and benefits they deserve. Our readers can learn more about fire and explosion injuries by visiting our website.
Larrimer & Larrimer, LLC – Columbus Workers’ Comp Attorneys