ExxonMobil Fined for Death After Refinery Explosion
A proposed fine by Cal-OSHA (California’s own work place safety agency) has been issued against ExxonMobil for the burn injury and death of a refinery worker at one of its refineries in California.
Nelson Tan suffered serious second- and third-degree burns over 85 percent of his body on when he was struck by a blast of boiling water and steam. He subsequently died from his injuries while in a local burn unit.
Mr. Tan’s death was the third in the last six years at ExxonMobil’s Torrence, California refinery. The Cal-OSHA citation indicates ExxonMobil failed to implement its own written procedure, which led to Mr. Tan’s burn injury and subsequent death.
Refinery explosions and burn injuries are almost always caused by the oil company’s failure to perform adequate hazard analysis, failure to follow its own written procedure, or some other negligent (or, sometimes, reckless) act by the refinery owner. Burn injuries and refinery explosions don’t have to happen, and can be prevented by safe practices by the employer. If you have been injured in a workplace accident or refinery explosion, you should contact a Georgia workplace accident attorney to determine what rights you have.
