1,000 contractors locked in a Methanex site during Tuesday’s storm — workers claim padlocked gates v

[TexasTowelie]

1,000 contractors locked in a Methanex site during Tuesday’s storm — workers claim padlocked gates violate worker safety law

GEISMAR, LOUISIANA -- Some 1,000 contractors at the Methanex site in Geismar were stuck behind a gate padlocked during a lightning alert Tuesday and could not leave until Ascension Parish sheriff’s deputies arrived and the gate was reopened by plant security.

Three contractors, who spoke to The Advocate on the condition of anonymity, said the locked gate is their only exit in case of emergencies and so locking it was a violation of federal worker safety laws.

“I have been doing this for years. I have never seen this happen before,” one Turner Industries contractor said. The contractor and two others who spoke to The Advocate said they were afraid to give their names because of possible job repercussions.

Severe storms Tuesday that caused flash flooding in Baton Rouge and dropped nearly a half-inch of rain in Gonzales by midday, brought frequent lightning strikes, as well.

Read more: http://theadvocate.com/news/12605608-123/1000-contractors-locked-in-a (Baton Rouge Advocate)

Cross-posted in the Louisiana Group.

[Sherman A1]

1. Well,

some one or someones have some serious explaining to do.