Worker Injured In Industrial Accident At Galva Ethanol Plant
Unsafe Premises - Work Compensation - February 24, 2024
Henry County Officials Investigating Galva Industrial Accident At Big River Resources Ethanol Plant
GALVA, ILLINOIS (February 24, 2024) – A male worker was seriously injured in a Galva industrial accident at the Big River Resources chemical plant on SE Second Street.
Henry County officials are saying that the incident took place around 3:35 p.m. on Wednesday. Galva Fire Department officials were called to the scene of Big River Resources after getting a report about a male contractor suffering from serious burn injuries.
An ambulance transported the victim to a medical helicopter, which then transported the worker to a local trauma center. Firefighters were eventually able to put out the source of the blaze.
A full investigation into the accident at the Big River Resources ethanol plant remains ongoing at this time.
Liability For Henry County Industrial Accidents
Workers face a variety of hazards in the workplace, including chemical incidents. According to Prevention Web, “Over 825 hazardous chemical incidents – including fires, explosions and harmful chemical releases – have occurred since the beginning of 2021, and over 270 incidents have occurred this year alone, according to data published today by the Coalition to Prevent Chemical Disasters.” Businesses should take a number of steps in order to prevent ethanol accidents.
- Safety Training: Employees should receive comprehensive training, including how to handle equipment and chemicals safely.
- Regular Inspections: Employers should conduct regular inspections of equipment and machinery.
- Safety Equipment: All workers should have appropriate safety equipment, including protective gear and emergency shower stations.
- Regulatory Compliance: All businesses should ensure compliance with all relevant safety regulations and standards.
When a worker is killed on the job, their family will typically have recourse through the worker’s compensation system. Worker’s compensation is a no-fault insurance plan that can help a worker or their family after a serious accident. An injured worker may also be able to recover damages through a third-party liability claim. A third-party liability claim may be possible if an entity separate from a worker’s employer contributed to an accident.
There could be numerous sources of third-party liability for any accident at a chemical plant. The company that operates the plant could be liable. An accident may have been caused by unsafe conditions at a plant. Equipment manufacturers could also be liable. Product manufacturers may be responsible for an accident if it was caused by a design defect with their machinery. There are a number of steps that should be taken after any industrial accident.
- Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
- Safety records for the business should be sought.
- The cause of any industrial accident should be understood.
- An experienced personal injury attorney should be contacted.
It can be hard to know where to begin after any industrial accident. Victims may need to take extensive time off from work. They may also be left with long-term injuries that can hamper their career. It is important for accident victims to understand that they do have rights. Any person who is injured in an industrial accident may be able to collect damages through a civil claim.
Investigating Henry County Industrial Accidents
We at Horwitz Horwitz & Associates extend our best wishes to the worker injured at the Big River Resources ethanol plant in Galva. Any person who may have more information about what happened should reach out to OSHA. It is our sincere hope that steps are taken to prevent other accidents like this.
Have you or someone that you care about been injured in a Galva industrial accident? You may have legal recourse. We care deeply that workers are aware of their rights and that businesses are upholding OSHA safety standards in the workplace. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we may be able to assist you. You can reach out to us anytime at (312) 564-4256.