Steam accidents injure workers

Nov. 1, 2002
INDIANAPOLIS The Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating an explosion Oct. 10 that injured two people at an Eli Lilly Co. plant in Greenfield, Ind., a state OSHA representative told CONTRACTOR. He declined further comment. The Indianapolis Star reported that two independent contractors suffered minor burns when a valve collar failed while steam pressure was being restored

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating an explosion Oct. 10 that injured two people at an Eli Lilly Co. plant in Greenfield, Ind., a state OSHA representative told CONTRACTOR. He declined further comment.

The Indianapolis Star reported that two independent contractors suffered minor burns when a valve collar failed while steam pressure was being restored after it had been reduced during a $120 million renovation in the Ely Lilly laboratories. Officials would not identify the contractors, who were taken to a nearby hospital by helicopter for treatment and released.

The newspaper also reported that at approximately the same time, a valve broke on a steam line under a street in Indianapolis. The sudden flow of high-pressure steam propelled one worker out of the manhole where he was working, according to the newspaper. The condition of the injured man is not known.

Voice your opinion!

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