Employer Penalized $48,750 After Worker Is Burned Cutting Barrel

A worker was using an oxygen acetylene cutting torch to cut a hole on the top of a metal 45-gallon barrel. As soon as the torch pierced the top of the barrel, flames shot out a filler hole, burning his face and left forearm. The barrel hadn’t been properly purged of its flammable contents before the task was performed. The employer pleaded guilty to failing to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, the safety, health, and welfare of its worker and was ordered to pay $48,750 in fines and surcharges [Maxim Transportation Services Inc., Govt. News Release, April 20, 2017].