According to news reports, a propane tank exploded at Weston High School today at a construction site. Neither the high school building-apparently about 25 feet from the propane tank-nor any student was affected by the explosion, and the fire was quickly extinguished. A 50-year-old construction worker, however, did appear to receive second-degree burns on his face, hands, and knee from the explosion and was immediately brought to Boston’s Brigham & Women’s Hospital. The cause of the explosion is current unknown, but is being investigated.
Construction sites are prime locations for injuries to occur, since they are often contain heavy equipment like forklifts and cranes, scaffolding, electrical equipment, and hazardous substances, along with dust and fumes. Construction workers thus risk falling from great heights, being crushed by heavy equipment, or being exposed to unsafe toxic chemicals.
Workers who are injured on the job, or who believe their work environment poses safety hazards, may file a complaint to have OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration, a division of the U.S. Department of Labor) investigate your case.
Depending up on the cause of a propane tank explosion or other construction accident, you may be able to hold another-such as the construction company, the tool or equipment designer or manufacturer, or another negligent employee-accountable for your injuries. An experienced Boston construction and personal injury lawyer can provide you with insight into your legal options.
One worker hurt when propane tank explodes at Weston High School construction site, Boston.com, January 24, 2012
Propane Explosion at Weston High School, Patch.com, January 24, 2012