1,000 contractors locked in a Methanex site during Tuesday’s storm — workers claim padlocked gates v

[TexasTowelie]

1,000 contractors locked in a Methanex site during Tuesday’s storm — workers claim padlocked gates violate worker safety law

GEISMAR, LOUISIANA -- Some 1,000 contractors at the Methanex site in Geismar were stuck behind a gate padlocked during a lightning alert Tuesday and could not leave until Ascension Parish sheriff’s deputies arrived and the gate was reopened by plant security.

Three contractors, who spoke to The Advocate on the condition of anonymity, said the locked gate is their only exit in case of emergencies and so locking it was a violation of federal worker safety laws.

“I have been doing this for years. I have never seen this happen before,” one Turner Industries contractor said. The contractor and two others who spoke to The Advocate said they were afraid to give their names because of possible job repercussions.

Severe storms Tuesday that caused flash flooding in Baton Rouge and dropped nearly a half-inch of rain in Gonzales by midday, brought frequent lightning strikes, as well.

Read more: http://theadvocate.com/news/12605608-123/1000-contractors-locked-in-a (Baton Rouge Advocate)

Cross-posted in the Omaha Steve's Labor Group.

[Sherman A1]

1. K&R!

thanks for posting what certainly appears to be a gross violation of worker safety laws.

[TexasTowelie]

2. I try to venture into the New Mexico and Louisiana news each day

since both of those groups are relatively inactive. I've only been to three other states in my lifetime--New Mexico, Louisiana and Florida. Unfortunately I cannot keep up with the whereabouts of Florida man so I'll let the other members from there post on what he is doing.

Yes, the plant messed up big time padlocking contracted labor within their gates. There might be an occasion when that is necessary like a terrorist threat, but for a weather event?

[Sherman A1]

3. A good thing

And if you see something that would fit into Missouri News please feel more than free to post there. It likewise is often inactive as I do not have something to post or the time to do so.

[TexasTowelie]

4. I wish that more people would use the state groups to post things like legislative news

and local interest stories. It seems like Justin and I are the most prolific members in the state groups though there was one time that I scooped him on a story from Schenectady. I have a friend that is a history professor at Union College.

At least the Missouri group is more active than Utah though.