National Grid Contract Employees Injured In Brooklyn Gas Line Explosion Accident Near Manhole
BROOKLYN, CALIFORNIA (February 10, 2020) – Two National Grid Contract Employees were injured in a gas line explosion on Bay Ridge Parkway near 19th Avenue in Bensonhurst.
New York police department officials are saying that the accident took place around 10:00 a.m. For reasons that remain under investigation a leaky National Grid gas line exploded in flames.
Two workers screamed and jumped out of the manhole they were working in. One worker took off his jacket in an attempt to put out the fire.
Paramedics rushed to the scene of the gas line explosion. The National Grid contract employees were take to the Staten Island University Hospital North at the burn unit.
Both victims were listed in serious condition. A full investigation into the accident remains ongoing at this time.
Liability In Brooklyn Gas Line Explosion Accidents
Companies have a legal responsibility to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe manner. It is particularly important to protect workers that must perform their jobs around gas lines. Gas line explosions tend to happen for a variety of different reasons including ruptured lines, faulty electrical wiring and improper pipe maintenance. OSHA has listed a number of measures that can be taken to help prevent explosions including:
- Potential fire hazards or sources should be taken into consideration
- Every company should have a fire plan in place as well as an evacuation plan
- Fire extinguishers should be readily available
- Smoking should be prohibited in areas where hazardous materials are being stored
- An engineering survey should be performed by a competent person to determine fire hazards
- Companies must provide their employees with proper training with respect to fire hazards
- Utilities such as pipe lines must be closely mapped out and accounted for before work begins
When a worker is injured in an accident in New York they will typically have recourse through the workers’ compensation system. Workers compensation in New York is a no fault system. So, even if a worker was at fault for an accident they would typically still be able to claim benefits. Damages can help cover medical bills, lost wages and disability benefits. What many workers may not realize is that the worker’s compensation system may not be their only resource after an accident. Depending on the facts of any case an injured worker may also be able to seek damages through a third party liability claim.
Gas companies have a legal obligation to take measures to protect workers when they are performing their duties near pipelines. According to (Rizzuto v L.A. Wenger Contr. Co) New York Labor Law Section 241(6), “imposes a nondelegable duty of reasonable care upon owners and contractors “‘to provide reasonable and adequate protection and safety’ to persons employed in, or lawfully frequenting, all areas in which construction, excavation or demolition work is being performed.” Gas pipes should be turned off when workers are nearby. Victims of gas line explosion accidents tend to suffer very serious injuries including:
- First degree burns
- Third degree burns
- Tympanic membrane ruptures
- Respiratory injuries
- Head-trauma
Any person that is injured in a gas line explosion should regularly seek follow up care with their doctor. Many victims will often not realize the full extent of their injuries until several months after a collision. Any person that is injured may have the ability to seek damages through a bodily injury claim. The treatment for burn injuries tend to be particularly expensive. A construction accident attorney can examine all of the facts of your case and let you know what your legal options are.
Investigating A Brooklyn Gas Line Explosion
We at Pulvers, Pulvers & Thompson extend our thoughts and prayers to the two workers who were injured in this accident. Any person that may have seen what happened should reach out to OSHA as they continue their investigation. It is our sincere hope that measures are put in place to prevent additional incidents like this. Companies should always do everything in their power to ensure their workers are safe.
