On January 7, four plant workers at the Atalco plant in Gramercy, LA were burned in a chemical release of a high-pH substance. All four workers suffered severe injuries; CBS KIRO7 reports one of them had to be taken to the burn center at Baton Rouge General Hospital, while The Advocate reports three were airlifted.
According to authorities, the plant workers were changing a pressurized valve when the incident occurred. Given the pressure, authorities were unsure how much of the caustic chemical was released. The Department of Homeland Security initially investigated the event, but it will remain under investigation by the Louisiana Department of Environmental Quality.
While it’s not yet been said what chemical was released in the accident, high-pH substances are typically dangerous to inhale or come into contact within large quantities. On the pH scale, high pH indicates alkaline substances like bleach, ammonia, or drain cleaner. What makes alkaline chemicals worthwhile as cleaners is what makes them dangerous for exposure.
Atlantic Alumina Facility in Gramercy, LA
The Atalco plant is owned by Atlantic Alumina and refines bauxite into alumina for aluminum production. The plant employs 550 people and sits on the east bank of the Mississippi River. Currently, the plant faces ongoing litigation over a prior incident that injured a worker in a similar fashion.
At Chris Corzo Injury Attorneys, we are committed to investigating this incident further to uncover what caused the valve to release and who is at fault for these burn injuries. Our firm is working as co-counsel with the law firm currently filing suit against Atlantic Alumina for a similar incident at the Atalco facility. If it’s true that these workers were injured by an established pattern of negligent plant management, then the company owes them everything they’ve lost in medical care, future wages, and diminished quality of life.
If you or your loved ones were among those burned in the chemical release at the Atalco refinery, speak with us to learn your recovery options. Our team of plant accident lawyers is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to offer a free consultation. Call (225) 230-3110 or contact us online as soon as possible!