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.

Sponsored Recommendations

3 Essential Elements for a Strong Safety Culture

March 13, 2024
Organizations globally have increased their attention on safety culture: trying to figure out what it really is and the aspects that are necessary to develop and sustain it. And...

Making the Case for Occupational Health Software

March 13, 2024
Deciding to invest in Occupational Health (OH) software can be a challenging leap for many organizations. This article will equip businesses with insightful strategies for effectively...

Fighting the Flu: Solutions for the Workplace

March 13, 2024
Seasonal flu continues to wreak considerable havoc both on individual wellness, as well as on our business continuity and productivity. Explore these solutions for protecting ...

Preventing SIFs with Digitization: Reduce Serious Injuries and Fatalities with Technology

March 13, 2024
This eBook discusses the origins of SIF prevention, outlines principles, models and tools available to EHS leaders to better detect and address SIF potential in their business...

Voice your opinion!

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