Superheated water burns worker at US Steel, he sues

A man who suffered severe burns to his hands and arms filed suit in St. Clair County Circuit Court March 18 alleging United States Steel of Granite City failed to provide him a safe place to work.

Theodore Green, a steamfitter, claims that on April 17, 2004, he was helping repair a waterline when an explosion occurred engulfing him in steam and superheated water.

Green claims US Steel negligently and carelessly maintained the pipeline in a dangerous condition allowing steam and superheated water to accumulate in explosive quantities and pressures.

According to the complaint, US Steel also failed to provide a sufficient pressure release valve on the piping system which could have prevented an explosion.

As a result, Green claims he sustained serious, painful and permanent injuries to his hands and arms and other various parts of his body, and that he has incurred medical and hospital expenses, lost wages and permanent mental anguish and disfigurement.

Represented by Bruce Cook of Belleville, Green is seeking at least $150,000 in damages.

05 L 194