When Workplace Safety Fails: Lessons from the Berks County Chocolate Factory Explosion

Workplace injuries can happen in any industry, but the consequences can be devastating when negligence is involved. The deadly 2023 explosion at the R.M. Palmer Co. chocolate factory in Berks County, Pennsylvania, highlights the tragic impact of inadequate safety measures. The incident resulted in seven worker deaths due to the company’s failure to evacuate the facility, located around 60 miles northwest of Philadelphia.

What Happened at the Chocolate Factory?

According to findings released by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) in December, a series of preventable failures caused the explosion at the chocolate factory. Federal investigators determined that a corroded steam pipe and a faulty natural gas fitting led to a gas leak, which eventually ignited.

Employees had smelled gas before the blast, but without clear emergency procedures to follow, they remained at their workstations. Workers accused the employer of ignoring warnings of a gas leak. The factory lacked proper policies to ensure an immediate evacuation, leaving workers vulnerable to disaster. 

Investigators found that insufficient training and emergency response protocols contributed to the severity of the incident. The blast destroyed one building, heavily damaged another and caused $42 million in property damage. Around 70 workers and 35 staff were working at the facility when the explosion occurred.

While the company has since updated its evacuation protocols, there are still gaps in the safety measures. The NTSB said the revised policy is inadequate as it could create confusion among workers and staff.

Your Rights After a Workplace Injury

While tragedies like the chocolate factory explosion may seem extraordinary, they echo the everyday risks many workers face. Unsafe working conditions, inadequate training and poorly maintained equipment are factors that can lead to serious injuries or even death. When these failures occur, injured workers have legal avenues to seek compensation.

Workers’ compensation is often the first line of support for workers injured on the job. This system provides benefits for medical expenses, lost wages and rehabilitation costs without the need to prove employer negligence. 

Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system, meaning it applies even if the employer did not intentionally create hazardous conditions. While helpful after a workplace accident, the benefits can be limited. Workers may feel the payments fall short of addressing the full physical, emotional and financial toll of a serious injury or loss.

When Can a Third-Party Claim Be Filed?

In some instances, workers may be able to pursue additional compensation through a personal injury claim. This is particularly relevant when a third party, such as a contractor, utility provider or equipment manufacturer, is partly responsible for the unsafe conditions that caused the worker’s injury.

For example, in the chocolate factory explosion, investigators found that a defective gas fitting contributed to the disaster. This fitting, manufactured by DuPont, had a known tendency to crack under heat. The gas utility company, UGI Corp., also failed to address the risks of corroded infrastructure near the factory. They allegedly knew about the dangerous piping but did not fix it.

While workers’ compensation provides a critical safety net, third-party claims can ensure that all responsible parties are held accountable. Personal injury lawsuits allow injured workers to seek additional damages, including for pain and suffering. Such cases can be complex, requiring an in-depth investigation into the causes of the incident and the roles of various parties involved. 

Families who have lost a loved one in a workplace accident have the right to recover compensation through a wrongful death claim. Seeking the assistance of an experienced Philadelphia workplace injury lawyer can help ensure you have a successful case. The lawyer can also address any obstacles that may arise during the process of recovering compensation.

Contact a Philly Workplace Injury Lawyer

If you have been injured on the job or lost a loved one in a workplace accident, MyPhillyLawyer is here to help you recover compensation. Our experienced team of Philadelphia workplace injury attorneys can guide you through the process of filing for workers’ compensation or pursuing a personal injury claim against liable parties. Contact us today to get your free consultation and take the first step toward learning about your legal rights.