All workplaces in Pennsylvania and other areas of the country hold some degree of risk. However, depending on the type of industry, some could hold significantly greater risk factors than others. Unfortunately, two people were recently killed in an industrial accident in another state.
The accident happened on a day in late June at Big Bend Power Station. According to reports, the two deceased workers were using pressure washers, potentially in an attempt to unclog a tank containing "slag." Slag is a liquid described as similar to lava that can reach temperatures higher than 1,000 degrees.
Unfortunately, reports indicate that the slag splashed over onto the 60-year-old man and 40-year-old man. While their cause of death was not included in the medical examiner's report, it did indicate that they were both covered in slag. Additionally, five other people were transported to the hospital; four are still in the hospital with injuries that are considered life-threatening.The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is currently investigating the fatal industrial accident; its investigation could take up to six months to complete.
In the meantime, the injured workers will likely require extensive medical treatment that they may worry they will not be able to afford. Fortunately, they are likely entitled to workers' compensation insurance benefits that will help with many of the expenses stemming from the industrial accident. These benefits often extend to certain family members in the event of a fatality. To help ensure full and fair compensation, many victims of workplace accidents in Pennsylvania ask an experienced attorney to help them throughout the process.
Source: tampabay.com, "Hillsborough medical examiner: Two dead at TECO plant were power-washing near slag tank", Sara Di Natale, Dan Sullivan, Anastasia Dawson and Neil Bedi, July 1, 2017
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