A crude oil tank exploded when it was cut with a large-scale circular saw at a Pennsylvania recycling facility. The worker who was making the cut suffered minor injuries in the workplace accident. The explosion took place on Aug. 5 around 11:20 a.m. No other injuries were reported in connection with the incident. The vapors inside the tank were reportedly ignited by the gas-powered saw used to make the cut.
By the time fire crews arrived, the fire was out. The force of the explosion split the oil tank in half. According to the Pennsylvania state police fire marshal, the steel tank contained the damage from the explosion. Later in the day, the fire marshal investigated the incident.
When an employee is injured as the result of a workplace accident, he or she may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits to cover medical expenses and lost wages. A lawyer with a history in workers’ compensation cases might negotiate for a settlement on behalf of an injured employee.
It is worth noting that once an employee accepts a workers’ compensation agreement, he or she will be prohibited from filing a personal injury lawsuit. A lawyer may be able to explain the differences between personal injury and workers’ compensation cases. In addition, a worker may receive workers’ compensation benefits regardless of whether the employer demonstrated negligence that lead to the injury.
However, employers are required to provide adequate training, safety equipment and a safe work environment for workers. Companies that violate safety laws and regulations may be subject to fines and other penalties from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Where there has been a workplace accident, OSHA may investigate the incident.
Source: The Bradford Era, “Worker suffers minor injuries in explosion at Goodman’s Tuesday”, Kate Day Sager, August 05, 2014