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Worker cleaning chemical storage tank alleges lack of proper equipment caused injuries

SOUTHEAST TEXAS RECORD

Sunday, November 24, 2024

Worker cleaning chemical storage tank alleges lack of proper equipment caused injuries

Lawsuits
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GALVESTON — A worker cleaning a chemical storage tank alleges lack of proper equipment caused his injuries.

Herbert Wallace filed a complaint  July 25 in Galveston County District Court against Industrial Tank Cleaning Services LLC, Petroleum Fuel & Terminal Company, Robin Richard and Audie Richard alleging negligence. 

 According to his complaint, Wallace was a hydroblasting technician who worked for Cardinal Customized Services which contracted with Industrial Tank for hydroblasting of a chemical storage tank at its facility in Granite City. He claims that the equipment needed to safely complete his job was either unavailable or in disrepair and that despite the lack of equipment and manpower, the Richards pressured him to rush the job. Wallace alleges that as he was cleaning tar from the inside of the storage tank, his foot became stuck in the tar and caused him to loose his balance. 

He further alleges that the tar gun he was using kept the trigger in an engaged position with a stream of water coursing 20,000 psi tore through his boot and mangled his toes. Wallace claims the defendants' negligence for failing to ensure he had proper personal protective equipment and for ordering that he continue the cleaning operations despite knowing there was not proper hydroblasting equipment. He also claims the defendants did not properly inspect and maintain its equipment or warn of the hazard. 

Wallace seeks monetary relief, interest, trial by jury and all other just relief. He is represented by Andrew Cobos and Nicholas Kacal of The Cobos Law Firm in Houston. 

Galveston County District Court case number 22-CV-1351

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