On Tuesday, December 15, 2015, 11 people were injured at a Marshall County chemical plant. According to the chemical plant’s owner, Axiall, Tuesday’s incident occurred around 7 in the morning in the facility’s power plant and involved steam from its coal fired boiler.
News reports indicated that the 11 contract workers were treated at four local hospitals for second degree burns and dust inhalation, with several workers requiring hospital admission for observation.
The Plant, formerly owned by PPG Industries and now owned by a subsidiary of Axiall Corporation named Eagle Natrium is located along the Ohio River near the Marshall Wetzel county line. The Occupational Safety Health Administration (OSHA) began an investigation of the incident after being contacted by a reporter.
The Axiall Corporation is no stranger to OSHA citations. Earlier this year, OSHA settled a case with the company over citations issued after a September 2014 incident where one individual was killed and three other people were injured. In that incident, workers were changing a valve in a process line used to transport chemicals from storage tanks. While taking off the valve, the employees were sprayed with the chemical that had built up behind the stopper plate. According to news sources, Axiall was initially fined for $21,000 for four serious violations and one other violations. OSHA settled the case for $11,000, after dropping three of the serious violations.
Depending on the severity, burn injuries can be catastrophic. There are three primary types of burns: first, second, and third degree burns. Damages include:
– First degree burns: red, non-blistered skin
– Second degree burns: blisters and some thickening of the skin
– Third degree burns: widespread thickness with a white, leathery appearance.
The attorneys at the Manchin Injury Law Group have been handling workplace injury cases for over thirty years. If you or a loved one have been injured in the workplace, contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Attorney Timothy Manchin established the Manchin Injury Law Group in 2011 after his law partner of more than 25 years became a West Virginia circuit court judge. His focus is on helping individual clients and entire families victimized by negligent acts.
We offer a free initial consultation at our office in the Manchin Professional Building — our home since 1983 — conveniently located in Fairmont.
If you are unable to visit our firm, we can come to your home or hospital room.
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