Earlier this month, one worker died and another suffered injuries at a Valero Energy Corp. (VLO) refinery in Louisiana. The two workers were contract workers with Koch Specialty Plant services. According to Louisiana State Police, the odor of hydrogen sulfide initially caused an evacuation of the refinery. When police found the workers, one appeared to have fallen from a ladder and the other was conscious and able to climb down the ladder on his own.
One of the workers later died at the hospital, while doctors released the other man. Investigators do not know if toxic chemical exposure or injuries from the ladder fall caused the fatality. At the time of the incident, the two were grinding metal when one smelled hydrogen sulfide and they evacuated the refinery. A Valero spokesperson said the evacuation did not present any danger to the community, and the refinery is still operating.
The refinery is located 26 miles west of New Orleans and produces gasoline, kerosene, diesel fuel, heating oil, petroleum coke and liquefied petroleum. The U.S. Chemical Safety Board is investigating the incident.
Exposure to toxic chemicals and workplace injuries can cause long-term and even permanent injuries. Contact a New Orleans injury lawyer to discuss your legal options for financial compensation. A New Orleans injury attorney can provide aggressive and high-quality legal representation for you or a loved one.