Factory worker critically injured in coal-plant explosion

Coal is a highly combustible material and anyone in Colorado who works with coal or at a coal-burning power plant knows just how dangerous the stuff can be. Just because an employee has to deal with potentially dangerous materials all day long does not mean, however, that it is acceptable for employers to be anything short of vigilant in regard to employee safety. Sadly, accidents do happen, however, and when they do, injured Colorado employees are entitled to medical benefits to help with recovery.

A recent accident may have many people in Denver wondering whether something similar could happen in a Colorado coal-burning plant. A 41-year-old employee had been working in the coal bunker alone when the room exploded, leaving him critically injured. Local firefighters responded to the explosion and plant-wide fire, rushing the injured employee to a local hospital. From there, the man needed to be relocated two more times before he was finally in a facility that could handle his injuries.

Though he was admitted to the hospital in critical condition, it is not entirely clear what the extent of the man’s injuries is, nor whether he is expected to survive. He was, however, talking with medical personnel and remained conscious in the hospital.

The explosion and fires are being looked into, but there is no definite answer as to what caused the initial explosion. Firefighters did say, however, that the explosion was responsible for the fires, many of which spread throughout the plant in the coal and in ceiling insulation.

This has not been the first explosion to happen at this plant. In 2002, a similar incident occurred, but it is unknown if anyone was injured.

As this man struggles to recover, it is important to note that many of his medical costs are likely being covered by the workers’ compensation program.

Source: Duluth News Tribune, “Worker injured in power-plant explosion,” John Myers, Oct. 23, 2012

In our practice, we have had considerable experience working with individuals who have been injured on the job and need medical treatment following an accident. You can learn more about our work by visiting our website.

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