Accident Victim Interview - Essay Example

Accident Victim Interview 6th, November, The fatal accidents that have occurred in the past have shaped industries and legislation. This is because OSHA comes in to investigate any time an accident results in a loss of life and give recommendations to prevent future occurrence. This paper describes interview with an accident victim detailing the events of the accident, extent of the injury, and changes that have occurred in the workplace.The accident victim bagged sugar in the sugar refinery on a four-story structure before the accident.

The accident occurred on February 7, 2008 at around 7 pm injuring 40 people and killing fourteen. The accident victim is one of the 112 workers on the site when the accident happened. The explosion occurred in the center of the refinery, a place where bagging took place. In this place, a network of conveyer belts and elevators fed the storage facilities with the complete work. The explosion came from sugar dust explosion. He onlookers and witnesses of this fateful night explosion reported seeing flames of fire rise as high as the height of the nearby story buildings.

The workers present in the building were going about their duty when the explosion occurred. Sugar dust was the explosive substance as identified by OSHA, who came into the site of the accident after two hours. The explosion weakened the entire structure especially the packaging area, which was completely dismantled by the explosion. After putting out fire, sugar that had now melted in the silos remained alight and required specialized equipment to smolder it to recover some bodies still missing.

The company was shortly shut down as heavy fines from OSHA were placed on the company because of safety violations. In addition, the company incurred heavy insurance costs and other medical bills.The accident victim sustained fatal injuries on the legs because of stepping on the molten sugar as he ran away from the explosion sight. Luckily, he fell into the river and was able to swim his way out of the river and get help quickly. His legs had to be operated on, which means that he was hospitalized for three months.

After leaving the hospital, he stayed on a wheel chair for six months before he could walk again. It was only after two years that he could find a new job to do as the former company closed down. OSHA circulated some regulations to make workers aware of the risk associated with working in sugar refineries to protect them from dust explosions. Although he works at the same capacity, this victim is a changed person. He understands the regulations passed by OSHA unlike before. He checked the environment before joining the company to ensure that he will work in ventilated facilities that do not allow accumulation of combustible sugar dust.

In addition, he ensured that the company covers workers on such fatalities In case it was to happen in future. He is a member of health and safety club in the company that ensures that every worker adheres to safety procedures and that the company provides safe environment for working. In addition, the club sensitizes employees of possible accidents in their work schedules to avoid.