Texas construction accident - Worker killed at International Paper mill

2009-10-01 01:38:25 (GMT) (JusticeNewsFlash.com - Construction Accidents, Justice News Flash)

Legal news for Texas construction accident attorneys. A worker was killed after falling into a hot water tank.

Occupational Health and Safety Admin. alerts Texas construction accident lawyer- A worker died after he fell in a water tank at a International Paper Co. mill.

Dallas, TX—A construction worker was killed a the International Paper Company’s Mansfield Mill after he fell into a water tank filled with hot water. The fatal incident happened on Monday, September 28, 2009 around 12:30 p.m., south of Mansfield in Desoto Parish, as reported by the Shreveport Times.

According to police officials, a contract worker identified as Toby Lynn Gardner, 35, of Castor, was working from a catwalk on a valve above a tank, when he fell into a linerboard white water tank. The white water tank is three stories tall, and holds recycled water used in the paper making process, which is around 150-200 degrees. The tank was reportedly not completely full when the worker fell in. Co-workers who saw Gardner fall in tried to rescue him, but were not successful. Rescue crews recovered Gardner’s body nearly one-and-half hours later. Zachry Construction Corporation reportedly employed Gardner when the accident occurred. Zachry Construction apparently provides the maintenance at the Texas paper mill. The DeSoto Sheriff Department, DeSoto emergency medical services (EMS), and DeSoto Fire District No. 3 all responded to the fatal workplace accident. Officials with the Federal Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) http://www.osha.gov/ are expected to conduct a full investigation into the construction accident.

Legal News Reporter: Nicole Howley-Legal news for Texas construction accident lawyers.