There are numerous ways in which a Pennsylvania worker can be injured while performing his or her job each day. Some injuries are due to repeating the same motion. Other injuries may be due to a slip or trip-and-fall. In some cases, the injury causing incident is more spectacular, such as an explosion.

One such work related accident occurred earlier this week at the OC Lugo Company. The business, located in Connellsville, provides the military with oxygen generators. It appears that the explosion happened when a worker was mixing red phosphorus with another chemical. The combination of the stable product with another that is known as a producer is generally a safe one.

At this point, it is not known what caused the explosion to occur.

As a result of the explosion, an employee (presumably the one who was mixing the chemicals) lost several fingers. Another employee of the business indicated that the incident caused him to inhale some chemicals and experience ringing in his ears. Due to their injuries, both were transported via helicopter to UPMC Mercy Hospital.

It is likely that it will take some time for both of these workers to recover from their injuries. The man who lost his fingers may not be able to return to his previous position. As they heal, they may decide to file for workers' compensation benefits. Depending on the type and severity of the injuries sustained, the compensation can be used to cover a variety of things including medical bills and lost wages. A workers' compensation attorney may be helpful in securing these benefits.

Source: WPXI, "Worker loses fingers in explosion at Connellsville business," June 27, 2012