MADISON, Wis. – A settlement has been reached in the civil case involving a worker who was injured in an explosion during the Camp Randall South Endzone Renovation Project in April of 2022. The worker, Jeremy Rose, suffered severe burns to over 70% of his body after a colleague ignited a propane torch in a room where Rose was working with flammable materials.
The case was resolved for $22 million just 10 days before the scheduled trial. According to Rose’s attorney, Daniel Rottier of the law firm Habush, Habush, and Rottier SC, the general contractor involved failed to adhere to safety protocols by not mandating a specific work permit for the use of an open flame torch. This permit would have necessitated inspection by supervisors, potentially preventing the tragic incident.
Rottier emphasized the importance of implementing hot work permits in the construction industry to enhance worker safety, noting that shortcuts in safety protocols can have devastating consequences both in terms of human lives and financial costs. The settlement highlights the significance of upholding safety standards and ensuring proper procedures are followed on construction sites to protect workers from harm.
The resolution of this case serves as a reminder of the critical need for comprehensive safety measures in construction projects. It underscores the importance of rigorous adherence to safety protocols to prevent accidents and protect workers from dangerous situations. The $22 million settlement reflects the serious nature of the incident and the responsibility of all parties involved to prioritize safety in the workplace.
Efforts to continuously improve safety standards in the construction industry are vital to preventing similar accidents from occurring in the future. By learning from past incidents and implementing necessary precautions, construction companies can create safer work environments for their employees. The settlement in Jeremy Rose’s case serves as a cautionary tale and a call to action for all stakeholders to prioritize safety above all else in construction projects.