Chicago Workers' Compensation Attorney Blog

A 39-year-old driver is believed to have been offloading propane from his tanker truck when the propane explosion occurred, critically injuring him and damaging property within a wide radius around the accident site, the Journal-Courier reports. He was transported to Jersey Community Hospital and then flown to St. John’s Mercy Medical Center, where he later died. State fire marshal investigators have deemed the incident accidental, but the OSHA investigation remains open.

According to the Propane Education and Research Council, more than 60 million Americans use propane each day in homes and businesses across the U.S. It is both colorless and odorless in its natural state, but manufactures add chemical deliberately to give propane a strong unpleasant smell to help alert consumers and professionals of a potential safety hazard. PERC sponsors a series of 16 interactive educational safety lessons on their website that aim to educate consumers about both the benefits and potential hazards associated with propane gas use.

OurChicago workers’ compensation lawyers recommend anyone using propane-fueled equipment read their owner’s manuals, follow all maintenance schedules and safety instructions and know how to identify signs of malfunction. The ILPGA and Propane Taxi offer the following additional safety tips for consumers.

Safety tips for propane tanks:
~ If you smell propane, leave the area immediately and call 911. DO NOT go back inside for any reason.

~ Extinguish any open flame and all cigarettes, pipes, cigar, etc.

~ If you can, close supply valves to propane tanks or cylinders and power down -- shut off light switches, air conditioning or heating units.

~ Unless you are a professional propane technician, NEVER attempt to repair or refill a propane tank.

~ NEVER store a propane tank indoors or near appliances or devices that may reach high temperatures. Tanks should be stored outside, upright and elevated off the ground on a non-flammable base.

~ If you need to transport a propane tank, make sure it is upright and secured on the floor in the back seat of your vehicle. Check that the valve is closed or plugged and drive with your windows open to prevent intoxication if your tank is leaking.

Safety tips for propane grills or heaters:
~ Only use a propane grill or heater outdoors and in a well-ventilated, open area free of combustible materials.

~ Create a walk-around zone and no-lay safety perimeter for kids.

~ Burners last: always turn the grill off at the gas source first.