Worker Killed in Propane Explosion

    Aug. 16, 2002
    A deadly incident at a steel fabrication plant in St. Joseph Township, Mich., yesterday could have been much worse without the quick thinking of some employees.

    Police say propane gas built up inside a welding tank at Liberty Steel Fabricating Inc. and when employee Dustin Gaul sparked his welding torch, the gas exploded. Other employees quickly turned off welding tanks and electricity to avoid a larger, more catastrophic explosion.

    The blast that rocked the facility killed Gaul, 25, and was strong enough to blow a 130-pound piece of metal into the roof of the structure, causing significant damage.

    The Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) is investigating.

    About the Author

    Sandy Smith

    Sandy Smith is the former content director of EHS Today, and is currently the EHSQ content & community lead at Intelex Technologies Inc. She has written about occupational safety and health and environmental issues since 1990.

    Continue Reading

    Sponsored Recommendations

    June 23, 2025
    With the right workplace health and safety training, your organization can reduce risk and protect your employees.
    June 23, 2025
    This article covers the key steps to build a reliable SDS management program, from organizing your inventory and sourcing updated SDS to ensuring easy access and regular maintenance...
    June 23, 2025
    It's time to get a bit more granular and start to examine the types of metrics EHS departments should be tracking, starting with lost time injury frequency rate (LTIFR).
    June 23, 2025
    With the number of lone workers on the rise, here are five facts every employer should know about lone working.

    Voice your opinion!

    To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EHS Today, create an account today!