Brooklyn Area Workers Compensation Lawsuit

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Primary Metals and Basic Steel Products Workplaces

Industry Description:

This industry group (SIC 331) is involved in manufacturing hot metal, pig iron, and silvery pig iron from iron ore and iron and steel scrap; converting pig iron, scrap iron, and scrap steel into steel: and in hot rolling iron and steel into basic shapes such as plates, sheets, strips, rods, bars, and tubing. This group also includes production of coke.

The following four digit Standard Industrial Classifications (SICs) fall under this industry group:

SIC 3312: Steel Works, Blast Furnaces (including Coke Ovens), and Rolling Mills
SIC 3313: Electrometallurgical Products, Except Steel
SIC 3315: Steel Wiredrawing and Steel Nails and Spikes
SIC 3316: Cold-Rolled Steel Sheet, Strip, and Bars
SIC 3317: Steel Pipe and Tubes

This group (SIC 331) does not include: Iron and Steel foundries; Establishments engaged in Primary and Secondary Smelting and Refining of Nonferrous Metals; and Rolling, Drawing and Extruding of Nonferrous Metals; and Nonferrous Foundries.

This industry group is large and complex, involving various operations, including blast furnaces. Blast furnaces chemically reduce and physically convert iron oxides into liquid iron. The furnace is up to 100 feet high and 30 feet in diameter, built of steel and refractory brick. Iron ore, coke and limestone are dumped into the top, and preheated air is blown into the bottom. The furnace is charged, generally through automatic processes, using such equipment as cranes and “skip cars.” The most common fuel used in the furnace is coke. Layers of limestone and iron ore are added to the fuel.

The raw materials require 6 to 8 hours to descend to the bottom of the furnace where they become the final product of liquid slag and liquid iron. The hot air that is blown into the bottom of the furnace ascends to the top in 6 to 8 seconds after going through numerous chemical reactions. Generally, slag and oxygen are separated from the iron by burning the fuel at between 450 and 1000 degrees F, although temperatures of 2800 and 3200 degrees F are reached in the furnace interior.

Top 10 OSHA Violations Cited

Standard #           Cited Description
1910.147 51            Control of Hazardous Energy, Lockout/Tagout
1910.179 46            Overhead & Gantry Cranes
1910.134 36            Respiratory Protection
1910.1200 32          Hazard Communication
1910.212 23            Machines, General Requirements
1910.305 23            Electrical, Wiring Methods, Components & Equipment
1910.106 22            Flammable & Combustible Liquids
1910.1025 21          Lead
1910.23 16              Guarding of Floor & Wall Openings & Holes
1910.215 16            Abrasive Wheel Machinery
1910.303 16            Electrical Systems Design, General Requirements

Source: IMIS Database - FY 2003 (Federal Only).

Some Potential Hazards and Their Sources

Hazard Source

• Burn and eye injuries
  • Slag draw-off and metal pouring
    
• Struck-by/crushing hazards
  • Materials handling equipment in ore and scrap metal receipt and storage
    
• Heat stress
  • Furnace charging and operations
    
• Respiratory hazards
  • Exposure to metal fumes, dust, and silica
    
• Strains and sprains
  • Manual handling of materials and heavy loads
    
• Fall hazards
  • Elevated furnace walking-working surfaces
    

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Many Faces of Personal Injury
Any trauma resulting from libel, slander, malicious prosecution, or false arrest, any bodily harm, sickness, disease, or death sustained by any person and caused by an occurrence for which the state may be held liable.

Economic Damages:
Would include, but aren't limited to:
- Lost Wages
- Medical Bills
- Rental Car Expenses, etc.