Railroad worker claims injuries while attempting to move ice melt bag

A Union Pacific Railroad Company worker is suing his employer after he says he fell while trying to pick up a bag of ice melt left in the doorway of a locomotive.

Steven M. Augustine Jr. filed a lawsuit Nov. 4 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against Union Pacific.

Augustine claims he was working as a manager of train operations for Union Pacific on Dec. 29 when he noticed a bag of ice melt left in the doorway of Union Pacific locomotive 722.

As Augustine attempted to move the bag, he fell and struck his head and left shoulder, according to the complaint.

Because of his fall, Augustine suffered injuries to his head, neck and left shoulder, incurred medical costs, lost wages and suffered extreme pain, disability and disfigurement, the suit states.

Augustine blames Union Pacific for failing to provide him a safe place to work, for failing to provide him with safe work conditions, for failing to warn him about dangers associated with his work environment, for allowing a bag of ice melt to remain in the doorway and for failing to provide a safe walking surface.

Augustine is seeking a judgment of more than $50,000, plus costs and other relief the court deems just.

Bradley M. Lakin and Marc W. Parker of LakinChapman in Wood River will be representing him.

St. Clair County Circuit Court case number: 09-L-598.