Indiana Company Fined For Safety Violations That Led To Injuries

December 5, 2012

This past Wednesday, the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) announced that it would fine Vectren, Inc., $100,000 for safety violations that resulted in a natural gas explosion last year that seriously injured six people. According to the Claims Journal, the explosion occurred at the company’s New Albany facility at around 4:00 p.m. on November 8, 2011.

The investigation shows that a crew from Miller Pipeline, contracted by Vectren to drill on the property, accidentally ruptured a main gas line while working. Those workers failed to inform anyone of the line breakage. When the gas built up, it was ignited by a spark and the blast occurred. The impact of the explosion was so severe, it damaged a nearby home that had five residents inside. All were transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Officials fined the company a total of $25,000 a piece for four safety violations that led to the accident. Those violations included:

• Failing to follow proper boring protocol
• Failing to notify emergency personnel of a safety hazard
• Not properly investigating a suspected gas leak
• Not engaging in assisting with first responder activities as required by policy

The Workers’ Compensation Lawyers with Fleschner, Stark, Tanoos & Newlin believe employees have a fundamental right to a safe work environment. That is why the firm’s team of Indiana Disability Lawyers is here to answer any questions if you have been hurt on the job.