Worker killed in industrial accident with sulfuric acid

People here in North Carolina take great pride in the work they do. The completion of a workday gives many a sense of satisfaction and purpose. However, there are dangers of which many workers may be unaware. This could have been the case for one out of state man who recently lost his life in what authorities have noted was a serious industrial accident.

The man worked at an industrial plant. Officials are uncertain how the incident occurred exactly, but word is that he somehow fell into a vat of sulfuric acid. His fellow employees pulled him from the vat as soon as they realized the danger, though no one is sure how long the man was there. They attempted to save him by putting him into a safety shower before paramedics took him to a local hospital. Unfortunately, the man did not survive.

His co-workers who attempted to rescue him also suffered chemical burns. The chemical was reported to be a 10 to 12 percent sulfuric acid solution and apparently had a temperature of 160 degrees. The company the man worked for has said it intends to fully cooperate with the investigation that will be conducted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. OSHA reports that this same company has had several violations in the last seven years.

This man’s tragic death shows exactly how dangerous an industrial accident can be. North Carolina workers who are injured in these types of accidents have the option to file a claim for workers’ compensation. The claim could be helpful in covering costs related to a workplace accident, such as lost wages or medical expenses.