Sunday, August 2, 2015

Worker suffered severe chemical burns at Kennecott’s Copperton Concentrator in Utah





SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH

A man was taken to University of Utah Hospital Friday after he suffered chemical burns on his body while doing work for Kennecott.

Unified Fire Authority said the 43-year-old male employee was unloading something when dry chemicals spilled and the man was hit by quick lime under pressure.

The dry chemical was forced into the man’s skin, and he suffered burns from his shoulder to his waist. Kennecott decontamination teams washed the chemical from the man, who was then airlifted to U of U Hospital in stable condition. The man was conscious and alert, and fire officials said he complained of a burning sensation in his eyes and lungs.

The incident occurred at Kennecott’s Copperton Concentrator at 8400 West 10200 South.