Northwest Houston residents are still cleaning up after a deadly explosion rocked the Watson Grinding & Manufacturing plant on Friday resulting in 2 deaths, multiple injuries and damage to hundreds of homes, some of which have been knocked off their foundations.
The company is a small, family-owned facility that specializes in manufacturing and servicing valves and pump components for industries that include chemical, offshore and aerospace. It has been fined at least 3 times since 2006 for violations, including in October 2008 when OSHA instituted a $10,250 penalty for four separate violations, including an explosion risk. In addition, employees have been injured in the past on site, including a right-index finger amputation and an employee who was crushed by falling equipment.
With a large concentration of manufacturing plants in Harris County and surrounding areas, these types of incidents are not uncommon. However, this past year has seen a dramatic rise in high-profile accidents including fires and explosions in Port Neche, Baytown, Crosby and Deer Park. Authorities are continuing their investigation to determine the exact cause of the Watson Grinding explosion.
If you have been impacted by this incident, feel free to call our office to discuss your options. Our attorneys have experience dealing with cases involving injuries from plant accidents and explosions as a result of the negligence of others.
To reach one of our attorneys, you may fill out our online Case Evaluation Form, or call our office directly at 713-CALL-BEN (713-225-5236).
Ben Bronston & Associates
