While hydro blasting a piece of wood for KMAC Specialty Services, the tip of Reginald Whitfield’s lance exploded, causing him injury.
Alleging KMAC should not have instructed him to use dirty recycled water, Whitfield filed suit against the company on Feb. 19 in Jefferson County District Court.
According to the lawsuit, on Oct. 10 Whitfield, a Silva Staffing employee working under the direction of KMAC, was hydro blasting plywood at BASF’s Port Arthur premises.
“While performing his duties, the tip of plaintiff’s lance exploded and caused severe injury to plaintiff,” the suit states.
“Plaintiff alleges that defendant … directed him to use recycled dirty water instead of clean water in the hydroblaster. The use of this recycled dirty water caused the tip of plaintiff’s lance to become clogged and led to the explosion.”
Whitfield asserts KMAC failed to maintain a safer work environment.
The plaintiff is suing for his alleged past and future medical expenses, mental anguish, pain and lost wages, plus all court costs.
He is represented by Lance P. Bradley and Craig J. Tahaney II of McPherson, Hughes, Bradley, Wimberley, Steele and Chatelain in Port Arthur.
Judge Donald Floyd, 172nd District Court, is assigned to the case.
Case No. E193-957
Hydro blaster’s lance explodes, KMAC sued
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