Employee Dies from Fall in Pit

An employee at the Fisher Barton plant died Friday after falling into a superheated pit used to melt metal, according to news reports.

The 29-year-old employee at Laurens County plant was preparing a heat treatment that is used to treat metals by dumping salt into the pit, which is heated to high temperatures. As he was working, he fell into the hit, which was at least 600 degrees at the time, although the pit reaches “much, much higher” temperatures, according to news reports.

The man was still alive after the accident and was able to get out of the pit by himself, but later died as a result of the severe burns.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration will be investigating this incident, according to nres reports.

“Fisher Barton South Carolina Inc. is a supplier of precision metal stampings, welded assemblies and heat-treated products, according to its website. The company provides low-to high-volume metal components for a variety of industries, including automotive, industrial, lawn and garden, material handling, hand power tools, transportation, outdoor products and agricultural,” according to the company website.

As a Charleston work injury lawyer , I’m saddened to hear about this fatal work accident. I hope OSHA and Fisher Barton are able to conduct an in-depth investigation on what exactly went wrong in this incident so they can make sure an accident like this doesn’t ever occur again. My condolences go out to this man’s family and friends as they deal with this tragic accident.

If you have been injured in a work accident and think you deserve worker’s compensation, contact a personal injury lawyer in North Charleston.