Oil worker wearing chemical suit dies from heat
A 45-year-old pipefitter who was wearing four layers of clothing – including a chemical suit - while he worked died on the job in March at a petroleum refinery in Norco, Lousiana.
OSHA has cited his employer, JV Industrial Cos. Ltd. Of Pasadena, Texas for one serious violation for failing to implement a heat management program for workers exposed to excessive heat while wearing chemical resistant encapsulating suits.
"While the temperature outdoors was 83 degrees, JV Industrial failed to take into consideration the increased heat stress caused by the specialized clothing being worn by the workers as they cut and removed the piping," said Dorinda Folse, OSHA's area director in Baton Rouge.
Proposed penalties are: $7,000.
JV Industrialm, a contract company specializing in turnaround activity at chemical and refinery plants, employs about 2,400 workers at eight operation offices.
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