Duke University Employee Dies In Steam Pipe Explosion
After man died in a steam pipe explosion while working at Duke University, concerns over workplace safety conditions are coming about. The man was working in the basement of a research building when a steam line exploded and killed him.
Before the man died, he told his family about how his supervisors often told him to "patch things" instead of taking on more thorough and costly repairs for the buildings. The family believes that some of the steam systems should have been replaced and that the workplace conditions were unsafe, possibly causing the man's death.
The Occupational Health and Safety Act(OHSA) of 1970 mandates safe workplace conditions. The basic premise behind workplace safety requirements is that employees should always be provided reasonably safe working conditions that are free from hazards. Workplace safety issues are often brought about when dealing with Missouri personal injury claims, workers compensation claims, as well as wrongful death claims, as the case above may result in.
Under the American Jurisprudence section on employment, the duty of an employer to provide safe workplace conditions is discussed. The duty is set out through several requirements but basically just states that an employer needs to provide employees with a safe workplace environment by following certain mandated health guidelines.
Further, if an employer fails to comply with the duty to provide safe and healthy work conditions, and a worker is injured in the course of employment from the employers neglect, the employer will likely be found liable. An experienced personal injury attorney will be able to help determine if a viable case exists.
In the foregoing case, if the steam systems and pipes were obviously hazardous or improperly maintained by the employer, University, and that neglect of maintaining safe workplace conditions caused the man's injury,death, the University will likely be held liable.
However, it is important to always keep in mind that employees must comply with certain regulations as well to maintain a safe workplace environment. For instance, if you work in a field where protective eye gear is required, you cannot likely file a lawsuit against your employer for an injury you sustained while not wearing eye gear. You wouldn't likely be able to claim unsafe workplace conditions because you have not complied with a portion of safety that is required by the employer of you as an employee.
An experienced workers compensation and wrongful death attorney will have the skill and resources to determine workplace safety issues and investigate workplace conditions to determine liability. If you have any questions or concerns involving workers' compensation claims or any other personal injury questions, I am happy to discuss your case with you and answer any concerns you may have.
If requested, I will immediately and aggressively take action on your behalf. The call and consultation are free. I can be reached 24 hours a day at 314.322.8515 or toll free at 1.800.500.INJURY (4658). Call me personally and I will answer all the questions and concerns you may have. There is no fee unless we recover for you.
If you don't want to call or you can't call, you can email me at john@pagecagle.com. I look forward to speaking with you and helping you through these trying times. You can also visit www.workerscomp-lawgroup.com for more information.
