Few have likely forgotten the building collapse that occurred earlier this summer in at a construction site in Pennsylvania. The construction accident left several dead and others injured. With the memories of that incident still fresh, many were likely surprised to hear about another incident in the same city that occurred late last month at an empty row house that was in the process of being renovated. The collapse in this incident was the result of an explosion. That explosion was apparently due to a gas link.

Several people were injured in the blast. Included in that group were two young children described as babies. The contractor who was working on the row house at the time of the explosion was also hurt. He was working on the water heater. As a result of the work accident he was reportedly burned severely in the incident.

Few people expect to be injured while working. The thought of an explosion occurring is likely on even fewer peoples’ minds. As this case illustrates however, they do happen. When someone does survive, it is possible that their injuries will be serious. In these instances it is not likely that they will immediately be able to return to work.

The contractor probably finds himself in this boat. In addition to being painful to recover from, burn injuries can take a long time to heal. During that period of time, one recovering from burns must be careful to avoid contracting any infections. While recovering from this type of injury it is possible that the injured worker will seek workers’ compensation benefits.

Source: The Huffington Post, “Philadelphia Row House Collapse: Infant Among Injured In Destroyed Building,” Keith Collins and Joann Loviglio, July 29, 2013