Recycling facilities play an essential role in managing waste and conserving natural resources. Unfortunately, they also pose serious safety risks for the workers who operate within them. A recycling facility contains heavy machinery, combustible materials, and chemical storage. These hazards leave employees at risk for severe injury – or worse.
One of the most common and devastating risks in recycling facilities is fire. As recent incidents like the Kernersville, North Carolina fire at OmniSource Corporation show, fires at scrap yards and metal recycling plants can erupt with little warning. Fires can also grow rapidly due to the volume and nature of the materials involved. Unfortunately, these fires often lead to physical injuries, toxic exposure, and long-term health consequences for workers.
At Kherkher Garcia, we believe workers who suffer injuries in dangerous work environments deserve aggressive legal advocacy. If you or a loved one was injured in a recycling facility fire or accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Below, our workplace injury attorneys explain what you need to know about the hazards of these workplaces and your legal rights after an injury.
OmniSource Recycling Facility Fire
A major fire broke out Sunday afternoon at OmniSource Corporation, a metal recycling facility located in Kernersville, North Carolina. According to the Kernersville Fire Rescue Department, crews responded around 3:54 p.m. to find a large pile of scrap metal engulfed in flames, which quickly spread to a nearby conveyor belt structure. Due to the scale and intensity of the fire, several neighboring departments joined in the effort.
Although one firefighter was hospitalized, no serious injuries have been reported. Authorities confirmed that the fire does not currently pose a threat to surrounding areas or public health. Forsyth County Emergency Management is monitoring air quality and managing water runoff from the scene. A large smoke plume was visible throughout the area, prompting concerns among nearby residents. Firefighters at the scene noted the intensity of the fire compared to previous smaller incidents at the plant.
OmniSource operates 70 locations nationwide and specializes in collecting, processing, and reselling metals such as steel, aluminum, copper, and stainless steel. Records show that the Kernersville Fire Department has responded to approximately a dozen outside fires at this facility in the past five years.
The fire highlights the inherent risks of operating recycling facilities with large piles of combustible materials. Assistant Fire Marshal Chris Kauffman acknowledged the challenges in extinguishing fires deep within scrap piles and noted that such incidents, while unfortunate, are often difficult to avoid. OmniSource has not yet commented on whether safety protocol changes will be implemented following this latest fire.
Common Hazards in Recycling Facilities
Recycling plants process a wide range of materials, including plastics, metals, paper, glass, electronics, and industrial waste. This diversity of materials, and the equipment used to sort and process them, creates a high-risk environment. Workers are often exposed to:
- Combustible Materials: Recyclable waste such as paper, cardboard, plastic, and metal shavings can ignite easily under the right conditions. Residues from oil, grease, and chemicals on scrap materials can also act as accelerants.
- Heavy Machinery: Baling machines, conveyor belts, shredders, and compactors are essential for processing materials but can cause crushing, laceration, or amputation injuries if proper safety measures are not in place.
- Flammable Chemicals and Gas Cylinders: Recycling facilities sometimes handle items that contain flammable substances—such as aerosol cans, propane tanks, and batteries. Improper handling or disposal can lead to fires, explosions, or toxic chemical releases.
- Electrical Hazards: Faulty wiring, overloaded circuits, and sparks from machinery can ignite flammable dust or vapors. Improper grounding of equipment can also pose electrocution risks.
- Toxic Chemicals: Many recyclable items, especially electronics and industrial waste, contain harmful substances like lead, mercury, cadmium, and asbestos. Prolonged exposure without proper protective equipment (PPE) can lead to respiratory issues, neurological damage, or cancer.
- Poor Ventilation: Inadequate airflow can lead to the accumulation of hazardous fumes or dust, increasing the risk of fire or long-term health effects.
Causes of Fires in Recycling Facilities
Fires are among the most serious risks in recycling plants. They can start suddenly and spread rapidly, often overwhelming emergency responders and endangering anyone nearby. Common causes include:
- Sparks from Machinery: Metal-on-metal contact, friction from conveyor belts, or overheating motors can create sparks that ignite nearby flammable materials.
- Improper Disposal of Flammable Items: A single improperly discarded lithium-ion battery can explode under pressure or heat, triggering a fire in a scrap pile or baler.
- Spontaneous Combustion: Oily rags, certain chemicals, and piles of organic waste can spontaneously ignite if stored improperly, especially in hot or humid environments.
- Arcing and Electrical Failures: Faulty electrical systems and damaged wiring can spark fires, especially in facilities where metal dust or flammable debris is present.
- Negligent Safety Practices: Lack of training, poorly maintained equipment, and insufficient fire prevention systems all increase the likelihood of workplace fires.
Injuries Resulting from Fires and Other Incidents
The consequences of recycling facility accidents can be life-altering. Common injuries include:
- Burns: Flash fires or explosions can cause first- to third-degree burns, often requiring long-term medical treatment or skin grafts.
- Smoke Inhalation: Toxic fumes from burning plastics, metals, or chemicals can damage the lungs and lead to chronic respiratory issues.
- Crush Injuries: Heavy machinery and equipment can cause crush injuries to limbs or the torso, sometimes resulting in amputation or internal damage.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Falling debris or being struck by equipment can lead to concussions or more severe brain trauma.
- Chemical Exposure: Workers may experience rashes, neurological issues, respiratory conditions, or cancer due to chemical exposure in fires or spills.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Surviving a severe workplace fire or explosion can leave emotional scars. PTSD is common in workers who experience life-threatening incidents.
Legal Rights of Injured Workers
If you are injured while working in a recycling facility, you may have several avenues for legal recourse. Your options depend on the circumstances of the injury, who was at fault, and the policies of your employer.
Workers’ Compensation
Most injured employees are entitled to workers’ compensation, which covers:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Rehabilitation
- Disability benefits
In most cases, you can collect workers’ comp benefits without needing to prove that your employer was negligent. However, your claim must be filed properly and on time.
Third-Party Lawsuits
If your injury was caused by the negligence of someone outside your employer—such as a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or property manager—you may be able to file a third-party personal injury lawsuit. This can allow you to recover damages beyond what workers’ comp provides, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Full wage replacement
- Loss of earning capacity
- Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)
Product Liability Claims
If your injury resulted from defective equipment or a malfunctioning product—like a faulty fire suppression system or a defective lithium-ion battery—you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer or distributor.
OSHA Violations
If your employer failed to follow Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, and this failure led to your injury, it could support a claim of negligence. OSHA violations can also lead to regulatory penalties for your employer and bolster your legal case.
What to Do After a Recycling Facility Fire Injury
If you’ve been injured in a recycling facility fire or other workplace accident, taking the right steps immediately can protect your health and your legal rights.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Your health comes first. Make sure your injuries are properly documented by a medical professional.
- Report the Incident: Notify your supervisor or manager about the accident as soon as possible. This creates a paper trail that may be essential for your claim.
- Document Everything: Take photos of your injuries, the scene of the accident, damaged equipment, and anything else that may be relevant. If there were witnesses, get their contact information.
- Request a Copy of the Incident Report: Ask your employer for a copy of any reports filed about the fire or injury. This may be helpful in your claim.
- Speak to a Lawyer: Before accepting any settlements or signing documents from your employer or their insurance provider, consult with an experienced work injury attorney. They can help ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve.
How Kherkher Garcia Can Help Injured Recycling Workers
At Kherkher Garcia, we understand how dangerous industrial jobs can be – especially in environments where fires, heavy equipment, and hazardous materials are a daily part of the job. We have helped countless injured workers hold negligent companies accountable and recover the compensation they need to heal and rebuild their lives.
When you work with our firm, we will:
- Investigate the cause of the fire or injury.
- Identify all liable parties, including third parties and product manufacturers.
- Handle all aspects of your workers’ compensation or personal injury claim.
- Work with medical experts to document the full extent of your injuries.
- Fight for maximum compensation – whether in court or at the negotiating table.
You don’t have to face this difficult situation alone. We are here to help you understand your rights, navigate the legal process, and seek justice.
Contact Kherkher Garcia for a Free Consultation
If you or a loved one has been injured while working in a recycling facility, don’t wait to get the help you need. Fires and industrial accidents can leave lasting physical, emotional, and financial scars – but you may be entitled to compensation.
Call Kherkher Garcia today for a free consultation. We will listen to your story, explain your legal options, and fight to protect your rights every step of the way. Call us at 713-333-1030 now to get started, or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation.
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