As Colorado continues to experience colder than normal temperatures, those that work outside in the elements may be at greater risk for being injured at work when placed in dangerous situations. When an employer fails to communicate risks and the need for increased safety due to colder temperatures, workers may be affected. Two employees of a large oil and gas company working at a Colorado fracking site were recently injured at work, and they were the lucky ones; one of their co-workers were killed in the same incident.
As temperatures dropped below zero degrees, a high-pressure water line located at the fracking size froze, requiring it to be thawed immediately. High-pressure water is imperative to the operation of the site and the fracking process. When workers began thawing the pipe it split. The force of the water is believed to be the cause of the death of one of the workers and the injuries to the two others.
Officials believe that the employee that lost his life was hit with water from the pipe that had a pressure that could have been as high as 4,500 psi. The two men that suffered injuries were transported to nearby medical facilities where they received treatment. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration dispatched investigators to begin reviewing the site, while a Colorado fire and rescue team seeks to find the cause of the devastating accident.
The family members of the employee that lost his life in the Colorado accident may wish to claim the workers’ compensation death benefits to which they are likely entitled. The two men that were hospitalized after being injured at work when the pipe ruptured may also seek workers’ compensation benefits to help them with medical bills. In addition, they may receive a portion of any wages that they lost due to being unable to work after the accident.
Source: rt.com, “Colorado fracking accident kills Halliburton employee, injures 2 others“, Nov. 15, 2014