Incident at Market Basket in Plymouth Leaves Three with Burn Injuries
An unfortunate incident occurred at a Market Basket grocery store in Plymouth, Massachusetts, resulting in three individuals being evaluated for burn injuries. Among the injured was an 11-month-old child, highlighting the seriousness of the situation. The incident took place on Thursday evening when a fryer unexpectedly shot out hot cooking oil, causing burns and chaos in the store’s kitchen.
Upon receiving a call about the burn injuries at around 6:45 p.m., emergency crews rushed to the Commerce Way grocery store. They discovered cooking oil splattered on the ceiling of the kitchen and grease marks approximately 15 feet away from the fryer. Fire officials on the scene reported that the injuries were severe, particularly for a 79-year-old man, who was subsequently taken to the renowned Massachusetts General Hospital Sumner Redstone Burn Center.
Alongside the elderly man, a 31-year-old store employee and an 11-month-old child were also affected by the incident. Both individuals were promptly taken to South Shore Hospital for immediate medical attention. The involvement of such young victims raises concerns about the need for enhanced safety measures in commercial kitchens to prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future.
In response to the incident, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also arrived at the scene to conduct an investigation. This demonstrates the seriousness with which authorities are treating the matter, aiming to identify the root cause of the incident and ensure appropriate measures are implemented to prevent its recurrence.
The Plymouth Fire Department, in collaboration with OSHA, is currently conducting a thorough investigation into the incident. Their primary objective is to determine what led to the fryer malfunction and subsequent release of hot cooking oil. By identifying the cause, investigators hope to establish guidelines and regulations that can be implemented in commercial kitchens to prevent similar accidents and protect the well-being of employees and customers.
Commercial kitchens, particularly those in grocery stores and restaurants, are known to be high-risk environments due to the heavy use of cooking equipment and the potential for accidents. Therefore, it is vital for employers to prioritize safety protocols and provide comprehensive training to staff members. Regular maintenance and equipment checks should also be conducted to ensure that all appliances are functioning correctly and pose no threat to those working in the kitchen.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of workplace safety, particularly in environments where cooking equipment is involved. Employers must take proactive steps to create a safe work environment, and employees should be encouraged to report any potential hazards or malfunctions promptly.
While accidents can happen, it is crucial to learn from them and take necessary precautions to prevent similar incidents in the future. The collaboration between the Plymouth Fire Department and OSHA in investigating this incident demonstrates a commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of workers and customers in commercial establishments.
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