Plumbing contractor claims he was hurt during safety demonstration

A plumbing contractor says he was hurt during a safety demonstration at a Wood River refinery.

Brian Eisenhauer filed a lawsuit Jan.9 in Madison County Circuit Court against Martha Fisher, URS Corporation and ConocoPhillips Company.

According to the complaint, Eisenhauer was a plumber and pipe fitter who worked for Corrigan Brothers in January 2011. At that time URS, hired by ConocoPhillips as general contractor for a project at its Wood River facility, allegedly subcontracted with Corrigan Brothers to perform plumbing work.

Prior to the start of the project, Eisenhauer says he attended a safety orientation class, taught by URS employee Fisher, on proper lifting techniques. During the class Eisenhauer says Fisher used him in a demonstration on the improper way to lift. He claims Fisher applied all of her body weight to his outstretched arms and even bounced on them to show the effects of improper lifting.

Eisenhauer contends he was hurt during the demonstration and accuses Fisher, her employer and the refinery of negligence. He asks for more than $200,000 in damages for medical expenses, lost wages and court fees.

Attorney John N. Cannon of Decatur represents Eisenhauer.

Madison County Circuit Court Case No. 13-L-39