The CEO of a waste water treatment facility has pleaded no contest to charges stemming from a workplace accident that injured employees and firefighters. Unsafe chemical storage led to the explosion at the California facility resulting in workplace injuries for several workers. A recent news story gives more details on the incident and the resulting court case.
After the explosion, the CEO and several other company heads were indicted. The CEO was charged with, and pleaded no contest to, failure to provide safety equipment to employees, failure to update a business plan within 30 days, failure to update a hazardous materials inventory and interference with enforcement. He was sentenced to three years probation and was ordered to pay $350,000 restitution.
The explosion injured three firefighters, other first responders, and employees who were either injured by the blast or who inhaled the toxic vapors. The CEO and others were also charged in a second case related to improper storage and reporting of another toxic chemical, Petromax, which must be reported to the local environmental agency. Another defendant in the case has also pleaded no contest to charges in the 2014 explosion.
Unfortunately, the CEO’s negligence and refusal to adhere to safety standards resulted in workplace injuries for the employees of this California waste water treatment facilities. In addition to the settlement, the employees have received workers’ comp to cover their medical expenses and lost wages. Other employees who have experienced similar workplace injuries may choose to seek the advice of an attorney who will be able to help them file insurance claims and receive the appropriate amount of benefits to which they are entitled.
Source: vcstar.com, “Santa Clara Waste Water Co. CEO pleads no contest to misdemeanor charges“, Marjorie Hernandez, July 26, 2017
