A worker at an alternative fuel plant in Simi Valley sustained fatal job injuries after an explosion shook the facility and an entire neighborhood the afternoon of June 17, 2010. According to a news report in the Ventura County Star, the worker, who has not yet been identified, was working in Realm Industries’ facility at 480 E. Easy Street in Simi Valley. Fire officials say the blast caused a partial collapse of the building and put a hole in the roof.
One worker was pronounced dead at the scene. Thankfully, two others who were in the facility at the time escaped uninjured. Authorities are investigating the blast, but say that it was a “water-based explosion.” The plant’s work apparently involves extracting hydrogen from water to make fuel. In 2008, one worker was injured after the top of a hydrogen cylinder blew off, but that explosion was of a much lower intensity, officials say.
My heart goes out to the family, friends and co-workers of this deceased victim, who was apparently on-the-job at the time of this powerful explosion. It is indeed fortunate that the two others who were inside at the time escaped without any catastrophic injuries. I offer my deepest condolences to the family members of the deceased worker. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers.
Industrial Accident Statistics
According to the California Department of Occupational Safety and Health’s (CAL/OSHA) industrial accident statistics for 2005, 14 workers died that year of fires and explosions at their workplace or manufacturing facilities. Totally, 253 deaths relating to industrial accidents were reported in California in the year 2005.
What Caused the Explosion?
Based on this report, it is still not clear exactly what caused this powerful blast. There are still many unanswered questions here. Were these workers following all required safety procedures? Did they have the required training to do the job? I trust an investigation by local authorities as well as the CAL/OSHA will provide some answers, although it could take months before we find out what exactly occurred here.
Claims for Compensation
In such cases, families of deceased workers would be well-advised to contact an experienced Ventura personal injury lawyer to find out more information about their worker’s compensation benefits and whether they will be eligible to file a third-party claim. These are claims that are filed against an individual or entity other than the employer, whose negligence may have caused the accident. A third party claim could be a lot more valuable to these workers and the affected families than what they would get through workers compensation benefits.
What are some of the major challenges workers and their families face in the aftermath of an on-the-job injury?
The Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys is not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call us or another reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free consultation. We provide a free, confidential consultation to not at fault persons named in this article. The free consultation offer extends to family members as well.