Georgia's industrial landscape drives economic growth and provides thousands of jobs across the state. However, as the industry grows, so does the risk of dangers and hazards. Simply put, the more companies, employers, and workers there are, the greater the chances of mistakes, errors in judgment, and even intentional wrongdoing that can put people at risk of injury or illness. As a resident or worker in Georgia, it’s important to be aware of some of the most dangerous industrial facilities and areas in the state.
Plant Scherer – Coal-Fired Power Plant
Georgia Power Plant Scherer, located in Juliette, Georgia, is easily recognizable by its massive smokestacks and cooling towers visible from highways 18 and 87/23. While this power plant is critical for providing electricity to much of the region, it is also notorious for being one of the most dangerous industrial facilities in not just Georgia but the entire United States. A study published by Science and ScienceAdviser concluded that Plant Scherer may be responsible for more than 500,000 deaths since it first began operations. Have 500,000 workers died at Plant Scherer? No, the plant has never employed that many people. Instead, the study determined that the coal pollution from the plant is much more potent – and therefore, deadlier – than pollution from other coal-fired power plants. Atmospheric models suggest that many of these deaths involved elderly individuals with pre-existing health conditions worsened by the pollution.
To make matters worse, Plant Scherer, is also known for its commonplace workplace hazards. Workers at coal-fired power plants face risks like falls from heights, exposure to hazardous substances, and crush injuries, among others.
LCP Chemicals Superfund Site
North of Brunswick, Georgia, just off Highway 341, lies the LCP Chemicals Superfund Site. While no large-scale industrial operations currently exist on the 813-acre property, it housed major industrial facilities from the 1920s to the 1990s. Operations ceased in the mid-90s due to growing concerns over environmental contamination, which made the area unsafe for workers and nearby residents. The site has since been added to the Environmental Protection Agency’s National Priorities List of highly hazardous waste sites.
Contaminants found in the soil of the LCP Superfund Site include:
- Mercury
- Lead
- Dioxins
- Aromatic hydrocarbons
- Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
- And more
Although the site has been out of industrial use for decades, it’s not entirely vacant. A large shipping container yard and the Glynn County Detention Center are adjacent to the property. Some construction companies also use the site for dumping industrial waste like rocks and debris, putting workers at risk of exposure to dangerous contaminants.
Poultry Plants
Numerous industrial poultry plants, including chicken and turkey processing plants, operate throughout Georgia. Major brands like Tyson Foods have plants in cities like Cumming, while smaller operations, such as Milestones Foods in Lake City, also dot the state. These facilities share a high risk of workplace accidents and exposure to dangerous pathogens. Poultry plant workers face unique hazards, including injuries from industrial machinery and the risk of contracting pathogens like salmonella. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that salmonella can be found in more than half of the poultry plants in the U.S. [insert information about the poultry plant content from Morrison & Hughes]
Legal Action After an Industrial Workplace Accident
In Georgia, industrial workers injured in workplace accidents or exposed to hazardous materials may have legal options to seek compensation. Workers' compensation benefits, including wage replacement and medical care, are often available if the worker is covered by an applicable policy. When workers' compensation isn’t available, a personal injury claim against the employer or a third party may be an option for pursuing both economic and non-economic damages.
If you’re an industrial worker in Georgia and have been injured know that Morrison & Hughes is here to help. Our attorneys proudly offer legal counsel to workers from all industries and backgrounds, including seasonal and undocumented workers who may not realize they are entitled to important legal protections To learn more about your rights and our services , call (404) 689-2734 to schedule a free consultation.