Tanker Explosion Leads to Work Injury

Two individuals in another state were injured on the job when a tanker exploded. As this incident is believed to have been preventable, the company has been cited for its role in the event. Whether in New Jersey or elsewhere, when a work injury occurs the injured may have the right to utilize workers’ compensation benefits to assist during the recovery process. One may also file third-party claims against those believed responsible for one’s injuries in an effort to seek further compensation.

According to a recent report, two employees for a roofing company suffered severe burns when an asphalt tanker exploded. The two men were on top of the tanker, trying to turn the discharge pipe but were unable to get it to move. Their foreman then instructed the men to use a propane torch to heat and loosen the pipe. The use of the torch ignited the flammable vapors coming from the liquid asphalt and resulted in the explosion. The roofing company has been cited and fined for failing to provide a safety guardrail for the tanker and for allowing the torch to be used in the presence of flammable gases.

As a result of the explosion, both of the injured employees were thrown approximately 10 feet to the ground. Both individuals reportedly suffered third-degree burns; one of whom is said to have burns that cover 36 percent of his body. Their current conditions are unknown.

The decisions that led to this accident could easily happen anywhere. An employee who has suffered a work injury may take certain steps in achieving full and fair compensation for his or her losses. These include filing for workers’ compensation benefits and pursing civil claims in a New Jersey civil court, if appropriate.

Source: workerscompensation.com, “Cal/OSHA Cites Roofing Company after Preventable Tanker Explosion Burns Two Workers“, Nov. 10, 2016