Sterling Industrial Refrigeration, Inc.

Struck by dislodged flying object, particle - Burns and other injuries, n.e.c. - HOUSTON, Texas

HOSPITALIZED, Worker hospitalized after incident at Sterling Industrial Refrigeration, Inc. in HOUSTON, Texas
Employer Sterling Industrial Refrigeration, Inc.
Address 6650 Pine Vista Lane
City, State ZIP HOUSTON, Texas 77092
Report ID 2023109712
Event Date October 20, 2023
Outcome Hospitalized
Nature of Injury Burns and other injuries, n.e.c.
Body Part Head and neck
Event Type Struck by dislodged flying object, particle
Source of Injury Valves, nozzles
Industry (NAICS) 238220
Inspection # 1706121
GPS Coordinates 29.85730, -95.48616

Location Map

Incident Narrative

Employees were on the roof repairing the ammonia refrigeration system and changing a hand expansion valve due to corrosion. As the employees were prying off the stuck hand valve, it popped off and struck the injured employee's face. The valve had residual anhydrous ammonia on it. The employee sustained a laceration to his face, burns to the face and throat, and corneal damage to his eyes.

Incident Summary

On October 20, 2023, a worker at Sterling Industrial Refrigeration, Inc. in HOUSTON, Texas suffered burns and other injuries, n.e.c. to the head and neck. The incident was classified as struck by dislodged flying object, particle, with valves, nozzles identified as the source of injury. The worker was hospitalized.

Context

OSHA has recorded 1,165 severe injury reports involving "Struck by dislodged flying object, particle" incidents in our database. Browse all Struck by dislodged flying object, particle injuries.

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Similar Incidents

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Aug 9, 2017 NPL Construction LEXINGTON, Illinois Soreness, pain, hurt-nonspecified injury Hosp.

Frequently Asked Questions

Workers injured on the job have the right to medical treatment covered by workers' compensation, wage replacement benefits during recovery, and protection against retaliation for reporting the injury. You have the right to file a complaint with OSHA if you believe your workplace is unsafe, and OSHA cannot reveal your identity to your employer without your consent. You also have the right to see your OSHA 300 injury log. If your employer denies a workers' comp claim, you can appeal through your state's workers' compensation board. An occupational health attorney can advise on complex cases involving denied claims or third-party liability.

After an employer reports a severe injury, OSHA decides whether to conduct an on-site inspection. Fatalities and amputations typically trigger automatic inspections. For hospitalizations and eye loss events, OSHA may conduct a phone/fax investigation or an on-site inspection based on the circumstances. During an inspection, OSHA compliance officers assess the accident scene, interview witnesses, review safety records, and identify violations. Citations and penalties may be issued. OSHA also works with the employer to abate hazardous conditions. All inspection results are published in OSHA's public inspection database at osha.gov.

You can file an OSHA complaint online at osha.gov/workers/file-complaint, by calling 1-800-321-OSHA (1-800-321-6742), or by visiting your local OSHA area office. Complaints can be filed anonymously. OSHA prioritizes formal written complaints from workers. If you believe an imminent danger exists, call OSHA immediately, they are required to investigate immediately when there is reasonable grounds to believe imminent danger exists. Workers are protected from retaliation for filing complaints under Section 11(c) of the OSH Act; if you experience retaliation, file a separate complaint within 30 days of the adverse action.

About This OSHA Report

This is a severe injury report filed with OSHA. Employers are required to report all work-related fatalities and severe injuries within 8 to 24 hours. Browse more reports by employer, state, or industry below.

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