Multiple Injuries Reported in Incidents Across U.S.

Safety at Work

London, KY (WorkersCompensation.com) – Officials reported that multiple people were injured in a chemical explosion in Kentucky this week, one of several incidents that injured multiple employees over the past month.

Officials with the London Fire Department said that just after 7 a.m., on Thursday, Sept. 25, an explosion rocked the Borden Dairy Plant in London, Ky. According to the London-Laurel County Economic Development Authority, four people were injured. Although the injuries were not thought to be life-threatening, the employees were taken to a local hospital for treatment.

“We are grateful to share that all affected contractors are expected to make a full recovery,” Borden Chief Human Resources Officer Brice Coleman said in a statement.

Fire department officials said the explosion involved an acid sanitizer called Hyperflex. The chemical contains phosphoric acid and nitric acid, and is corrosive. The chemical is a low pH acid sanitizer used on food, dairy, and beverage processing and filtration equipment, and passes the EPA food contact-sanitizer test for previously cleaned hard, non-porous food contact surfaces. However, the chemical is harmful if swallowed, inhaled, or comes in contact with the skin. Additionally, the chemical can cause severe irritation that can progress to chemical burns or serious eye damage, according to an AFCO Safety Data Sheet.

The explosion was quickly contained at the scene. Decontamination procedures were started at the explosion site and at the hospital, officials said. The plant was not impacted by the explosion, and the plant continued to operate, the fire department said.

An investigation into the cause of the explosion was ongoing, officials said.

In Lake Charles, La., four workers were injured in a small fire at a refinery.

Officials said four contract personnel hired by Turner Industries to perform work at Citgo Lake Charles Refinery were injured in the incident. Jessica Saxby, the communications advisor for Citgo, said the fire occurred just before 1 p.m. Sept. 22. The workers were transported offsite and treated for their injuries.

“We understand one employee has been released and the others are being treated.”  Saxby said employee and contractor safety remains the refinery’s “highest priority.” 

Operations at the refinery were uninterrupted by the fire, she said.

In Chicago, two workers were injured when they fell from a building on Friday night, police said.

Chicago Police said the workers were injured on Friday, Sept. 19 around 4 p.m. Both workers are 24-year-old men, and both were taken to a local hospital for trauma injuries to the body. Officials said it isn’t known why they fell from the roof of the building. Police said Monday they were both listed in Serious condition.

In Anchorage, Alaska, three workers were injured in a fire at a ConocoPhillips facility.

Officials with North Slope ConocoPhillips said two people are still in the hospital after a “localized flash fire” broke out at the Alpine Central Facility on Friday, Sept. 19 around 2:30 p.m. Another worker was released from the hospital on Sunday morning, officials said.

“Our primary concern is for the safety and well-being of personnel who have been affected by this incident. The company is providing, and will continue to provide, support and assistance to affected personnel,” according to ConocoPhillips.

Officials with the company said work ceased immediately in the area, and workers received care at a nearby clinic before being flown to Anchorage for treatment. Officials are investigating the cause of the fire, the company said.

Near Houston, Texas, two electrical workers were injured when a transformer exploded,

Officials with the Montgomery County Fire Marshal's office said they were called to an incident in the early afternoon on Monday, Sept. 22 near the Woodlands. The workers are employed by Entergy and were said to have suffered “facial injuries and burns,” officials said. They were taken to a nearby hospital and treated for their injuries.

Entergy said they were supporting the workers.

“At Entergy Texas, safety is a core value. Earlier today, two of our employees were injured while on the job and are expected to make a full recovery. We will review the details of the incident to identify potential opportunities to strengthen our safety practices. Currently, our thoughts and prayers are with our employees and their families as they recover from this incident,” the company said in a statement.

And in North Miami Beach, Flo., two workers were injured in a construction accident.

The workers were rushed to the hospital on Monday morning, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue said. Officials said the accident happened at a building that was under construction near Biscayne Boulevard. The call came in as a possible “mechanical failure.”

The injured workers were taken to HCA Florida Aventura Hospital. One person suffered life-threatening injuries and was listed in critical condition as of Tuesday, and the other worker was listed as stable with less severe injuries.

Share This Article: