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Steve Kherkher - May 14, 2026
A tragic industrial incident at the Ames Goldsmith Catalyst Refiners facility is once again drawing attention to the devastating risks workers face around hazardous chemicals and industrial processing operations. Two workers suffered fatal workplace chemical injuries, and dozens more were injured. Now, federal investigators are working to determine exactly what happened and whether the incident could have been prevented.
For workers and families, incidents like this raise important questions about workplace safety, hazardous chemical exposure, emergency response procedures, and legal rights after a catastrophic industrial accident. Victims and families affected by these incidents can get answers by contacting the workplace injury attorneys at Kherkher Garcia.
According to reports, the deadly chemical emergency occurred at the Ames Goldsmith Catalyst Refiners facility in Nitro, West Virginia – just outside of Charleston. The incident reportedly killed two people and injured at least 30 others. While no official cause has been identified, early reports suggest a chemical reaction occurred during cleanup operations. Initial reports state the fatal workplace chemical injuries may be due to exposure to hydrogen sulfide.
The U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board (CSB) has deployed investigators to the site to determine what caused the incident and whether safety failures may have contributed. Investigators are reportedly:
The investigation is still in its early stages. The event highlights a larger issue affecting workers across the chemical processing, refinery, and manufacturing industries: the ongoing danger of fatal workplace chemical injuries.
Officials have stated that the investigation could take several months.
Chemical processing facilities, refineries, catalyst plants, and industrial manufacturing sites often involve extremely hazardous materials capable of causing catastrophic injuries when released unexpectedly. Fatal workplace chemical injuries may occur due to one or more of the following:
Even facilities with extensive safety procedures can become dangerous if systems fail or chemicals are mishandled.
Catalyst refining facilities process and recover valuable materials used in industrial chemical reactions. In this case, Ames Goldsmith reportedly conducts silver and ethylene oxide (EO) catalyst refining operations. They are considered a “world leader” in EO refining.
Ethylene oxide, in particular, is a highly hazardous chemical commonly used in manufacturing and sterilization processes. Exposure risks associated with certain industrial chemicals may include:
Facilities handling these substances are generally expected to follow strict safety and reporting regulations. The ongoing investigation will likely examine whether these regulations were being followed at the time of the Catalyst incident.
Although the cause of this incident remains under investigation, chemical plant emergencies often involve several recurring hazards.
Industrial systems handling hazardous chemicals rely on valves, piping, tanks, and pressure systems operating correctly at all times. They also require routine supervision and maintenance. Failures that lead to chemical leaks include:
Any of these failures can quickly escalate into catastrophic events.
Unexpected chemical releases or combinations can expose workers to toxic fumes or trigger fires and explosions. Some releases may occur due to:
Chemical facilities are expected to maintain strict protocols involving safety and health. Among the most common procedures are:
Breakdowns in these systems may place workers at risk.
In any facility with chemicals present, proper chemical handling is essential. Some chemicals become dangerous when they are:
Improper handling procedures can create rapidly escalating emergencies.
Industrial equipment exposed to chemicals and pressure requires ongoing maintenance and inspection. If inspections are delayed or problems go unaddressed, dangerous conditions may develop over time.
Workers involved in chemical emergencies may suffer catastrophic injuries that affect them for the rest of their lives. At Kherkher Garcia, we have worked with chemical incident victims suffering:
Certain industrial chemicals can burn the skin, eyes, and internal tissues upon contact. These burns may continue causing damage until the substance is fully removed or neutralized.
Toxic inhalation injuries are among the most serious injuries in chemical emergencies. These injuries often last the longest, and require ongoing medical care. Workers exposed to hazardous fumes may suffer:
Some symptoms may not appear immediately, so victims may not be immediately aware that they have suffered a serious injury.
Chemical incidents involving fires or explosions cause catastrophic injuries, such as:
Exposure to certain chemicals can lead to serious long-term health effects, and can impact neurological health. Some potential injuries include:
Long-term monitoring may be necessary after exposure incidents.
The CSB is an independent federal agency that investigates catastrophic chemical incidents. Unlike the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the CSB does not issue citations or fines. Instead, the agency focuses on investigation, including:
CSB investigations often examine internal policies and processes as well, such as:
Their findings can play an important role in understanding how fatal workplace chemical injuries occur.
Workers injured in chemical emergencies may have the right to pursue compensation, depending on the circumstances of the incident. Potential avenues for compensation may include:
Some workers may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits, which provides coverage for medical treatment, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. It is important to note that workers’ compensation benefits may not fully compensate catastrophic injuries. There are also many workplaces that do not subscribe to workers’ compensation insurance.
In many industrial facilities, multiple companies may operate on-site. That means multiple parties may be liable for incidents and injuries. Potentially responsible parties may include:
Third-party claims may allow workers to pursue compensation beyond any workers’ compensation they may qualify for.
When chemical incidents are fatal, surviving family members may have the right to pursue compensation via wrongful death claims. These claims may seek compensation for:
Many catastrophic industrial incidents involve hazards that were known, or should have been known, before the incident occurred. Preventing chemical plant disasters requires the following:
When these systems fail, workers and families suffer devastating consequences.
At Kherkher Garcia, we represent workers and families affected by catastrophic industrial accidents, refinery incidents, chemical incidents, and fatal workplace injuries nationwide. Our team works to investigate complex industrial incidents involving:
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these events can have on workers and families.
Our team is committed to fighting for victims’ rights, even against major companies and corporations. We have recovered billions of dollars on behalf of our clients.
If you or a loved one has been affected by fatal workplace chemical injuries, Kherkher Garcia is here to help. We offer free and confidential consultations to help you understand your rights and legal options. Start now by calling us at 713-333-1030. You can also reach out to us via our website contact form.
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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorneys Steve Kherkher and Jesus Garcia Jr., who have more than 50 years of combined legal experience championing the rights of those who have experienced catastrophic injury due to negligence.
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