The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) has completed its investigation into the February 25, 2022 incident when nine workers were trapped on a burning jack up rig in Sabine Pass, Texas. At the time, the Pride Wisconsin drilling rig was being decommissioned in a yard. Workers from two different companies were involved in the incident: both welders from Carlos Arturo Guerrero LLC doing business as CAG Professional Services and workers from PH Steel Inc. After the fire broke out, the workers were unable to escape from the drilling rig because the fire damaged the generator. OSHA determined that both companies failed to implement fire safety plans on the date of the incident. The workers had to be rescued from the top of the drilling rig by a Coast Guard helicopter.
Pursuant to 29 CFR 1915.502, companies must have fire plans:
1915.502(a): Employer responsibilities. The employer must develop and implement a written fire safety plan that covers all the actions that employers and employees must take to ensure employee safety in the event of a fire.
OSHA determined that although CAG Professional Services had a fire plan in place which address evacuation, on the date of the incident it was not followed. PH Steel lacked a written fire safety plan in its entirety. Both Carlos Arturo Guerrero LLC and PH Steel Inc. face penalties from OSHA as a result of what occurred.
It goes without saying that safe companies must have adequate policies and procedures to protect their workers. It is not just workers who are at risk, but also members of the public or employees of other companies. More than just common sense requires evacuation planes in the event of a fire. This is actually the law.
Those touched by an industrial accident should know their legal rights and remedies, and act quickly to preserve them. Our attorneys have extensive experience in cases involving personal injury and wrongful death, including those caused in a fire or explosion. 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 or as a result of an explosion, 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 an accident at a plant or refinery. Please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or to learn more about your legal rights.