Workplace accident kills 1 at chemical plant

On Behalf of | Apr 30, 2014 | Workplace Accidents |

Most employers are dedicated to ensuring the safety of their employees. Unfortunately, a workplace accident can happen even if all safety recommendations are observed. Such an accident can leave a person and his or her family in a precarious financial situation. One family is likely wondering about their financial future after an explosion at a plant owned by an Illinois-based company took the life of a worker.

The explosion happened in late April. An employee of Sierra Chemical Company was apparently conducting a test on an air canister when it exploded. The employee was killed in the incident, but reports indicate that no one else was injured.

The incident has sparked investigations by several organizations including the Nevada Occupational Safety and Health Administration. OSHA will work to determine if any health or safety standards were violated leading up to the accident. The explosion comes on the heels of claims of three serious violations at the company in Dec. 2013.

While the investigation may preserve the safety of future employees, it will likely do little to help the grieving family of the deceased man. They will have to cope with his funeral expenses as well as the lost of his income. However, states require employers to provide its employees with workers’ compensation benefits in the event of a workplace accident resulting in an injury or death. However, those entitled to such benefits in Illinois have found that knowledge of state laws and procedures regarding compensation are helpful in ensuring full and timely compensation.

Source: Reno Gazette-Journal, “1 dead in Sparks Sierra Chemical air canister explosion”, Emerson Marcus, April 25, 2014

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