Smelting, or the extraction of a metal from its ore, is a dangerous process at all stages. Incredibly high temperatures are employed to liquefy the ore, which can result in humidity, searing heat or burns, and metallic dust being released.

In one dramatic example of this danger, a New York smelting worker was killed when he fell into a vat of molten lead. Although the official cause of death was severe burning all over the body, authorities said the fatality was probably instantaneous, given that the liquid metal was over 9,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

While this certainly represents a worst-case scenario, less extreme cases of smelting injuries are much more common, including:

• Stepping on and striking against objects in the workplace

• Strain from repeated or exaggerated motions and awkward poses

• Incidents involving the handling of small tools

• Problems with hearing due to overexposure to load noises

• Complications from high-stress situations as tasks

Groups at Increased Risk

A recent study identified groups of metal workers that were at a greater risk of injury. Among these were:

• Younger, more inexperienced workers

• Obese individuals

• Those with smoking and/or chewing habits

• Workers with special needs for increased supervision

Contact Us

Every day, workers at smelting facilities face huge occupational hazards. If you or someone you know has been affected by an accident at a smelting plant or similar job-related incident, contact the experienced team of Chicago personal injury lawyers at the law offices of Friedman and Bonebrake, P.C., today by calling 312-466-8200 for more information on your case.