A tank that once held sodium chlorate exploded, seriously injuring two of our members.

Sister Trudy Broman and Brother Paul Nelson of USW Local 2-21 in Escanaba, Mich., suffered severe burns in the explosion last week at New Page. The cause of the explosion is unknown at this time. The pair was assigned to wash out the tank with water.

Sister Broman is in critical condition at St. Mary’s Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisc., where she is being treated for third-degree burns on 50 to 60 percent of her body.

Brother Nelson sustained second-degree burns on his hands and his recovering.

Kim Nibarger from the USW Health, Safety and Environment Department will be doing an investigation. Duronda Pope of the USW Emergency Response Team (ERT) program will be assisting the families.

So far this year, 32 USW members have been killed in workplace accidents. ERT has also responded to 14 serious injury incidents, giving the USW a total of 46 ERT cases since January 1.