A Loretto semi-trailer truck repair business had a blast Monday morning. A 20’ high hole was blown out of the side of the facility in an explosion, sending three employees to North Memorial Medical Center, Robbinsdale, with minor injuries.

According to Medina Police Chief Ed Belland, the workplace accident happened when employees, at Gary’s Diesel Service, attempted to remove the top from a 1,000 gallon fuel tank. The explosion happened at about 11:30 a.m. Monday morning. The building then caught on fire. Firefighters from Loretto, Maple Plain, and Hanover responded to the call and were able to put the blaze out quickly.

There are special safety standards in place for workplaces that have explosive atmospheres. The proper precautionary measures must be up-to-date in addressing the prevention and control of workplace explosions. OSHA, the Occupational Health and Safety Administration, has regulations set in place for work environments that contain potentially reactive chemicals.

Workplace Safety

Employees trust that their work place will be a safe work environment. However, accidents do happen, and they can be very dangerous. Material safety data sheets must be posted in the area that contains the explosive products. A list of safety procedures to follow in the event of a chemical mishap must also be posted. The correct fire extinguishers visibly at hand, too. Should the workplace be in violation of these standards, it is at risk of being punished by OSHA.

If you have been injured in a work explosion or accident, call a Minneapolis injury attorney at TSR Injury Law today. Our partners are skilled, aggressive litigators with years of experience in personal injury cases. We also handle cases of negligence, dog bite injuries, premises liability, and product liability.