On Jan. 26 two employees of JP Oil had been involved in a flash fire from a gas engine that had ignited a small flash. According to Production Foreman John Lashmett both employees, David VanGundy and Chuck Risley, were thinking on their feet when the accident occurred. VanGundy was starting a natural gas engine with jumper cables that had sparked a flash fire, blowing him back, while Risley was able to put the fire out quickly with no other accidents occurring. Risley had also administered first aide to VanGundy.

According to Lashmett, VanGundy was transported by Lusk Ambulance Service to Niobrara Health and Life Center where he was treated for first and third degree burns on his face and wrist. He had stayed over night for observation and was released the following day.

“Because of the safety training that we complete both monthly and yearly both Chuck and David were able to contain the situation without further incident,” Lashmett said. “We’ve been here since 1996 and it’s been 15 years without an accident. I’m very thankful that they were both okay. It could been a lot worse.”

JP Oil employees attend both monthly and yearly First Aide and Safety trainings.



For the complete article see the 02-03-2010 issue.

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