An explosion at a welding and fabrication plant on Wednesday, October 7, 2020, has resulted in the death of one worker. The victim was welding a tank at the Custom Welding and Fabrication facility in Kanawha County, West Virginia. Early reports indicate that residual fuel left in the tank caused the explosion. The The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is investigating the deadly accident.
Hot work such as welding can present numerous dangers to workers. Welders performing hot work are exposed to the risks of fires and explosions from ignition of flammable or combustible materials in the item being welded. Despite being empty, tanks, drums, and containers pose a dangerous risk to workers because they can easily contain fuel residue which can result in a fire or explosion. Safe companies and operators must develop adequate policies and procedures to be followed any time hot work is being performed. Inspections should be performed to insure that any vessel which is being worked on does not contain any leftover flammable vapor or substance. Companies must communicate to contractors and employees the hazards involved in this work.
Those touched by this disaster should know their legal rights and remedies, and act quickly to preserve them. Our attorneys have extensive experience in cases involving industrial and plant personal injury and wrongful death, including those caused by fires and explosions. The firm has experience in courts across the country and the skills needed to represent the families of loved ones who have lost their lives as a result of the negligence of another party, or been seriously injured. The experienced attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was a victim of this tragic accident. Please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 to learn more about your legal rights.