INDUSTRIAL ACCIDENT: Baxter Healthcare Worker Dies after Inhaling Fumes
January 24, 2011
Los Angeles - A male worker at Baxter Healthcare Corporation died after inhaling fumes at Colorado Boulevard, north of Atwater Village on Friday at 4 am.
According to Los Angeles Fire Department, the employee, along with his two co-coworkers, was cleaning the inside of a cylindrical tank (4 ft) with a two-foot diameter opening. They used detergent with ethanol to clean the container of blood plasma. Noticing that two of his co-workers have lost consciousness, the man tried to help but was overcome by the fumes himself.
Reports said that the man was able to call 911 before returning to the tank to try pulling his co-workers out. Rescuers arrived and found the man halfway into the tank, while the two remained unconscious inside. They were transported to a local hospital, but the man who called emergency died shortly after arrival.
The two other employees were in critical condition and underwent medical procedure to combat the effects of inhaled fumes, reports said.
Los Angeles Police officers, OSHA, and local authorities arrived at the industrial accident scene and conducted investigation on existing hazardous fumes.
A Baxter representative explained that the company has implemented safety measures among employees on using substances in the facility. She reiterated that Baxter has been committed to environmental health for 50 years.
The ethanol was used as a separating agent for clearing blood plasma. Baxter was known in producing plasma proteins for treatment of hemophilia and other disorders.
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