Family Of Man Killed In Industrial Accident Sues Company

There are new developments in the story of a Tulsa man killed on the job after a conveyor belt dragged him into an industrial dryer. The News On 6's Heather Lewin reports the victim's family has

Friday, July 20th 2007, 2:20 pm

By: News On 6

There are new developments in the story of a Tulsa man killed on the job after a conveyor belt dragged him into an industrial dryer. The News On 6's Heather Lewin reports the victim's family has filed a lawsuit against Cintas, his employer, saying proper maintenance and safety procedures could have prevented his death.

It was a gruesome accident that took the life of 46-year-old Eleazar Torres-Gomes. Police say Gomes climbed on top of an automated conveyor belt to dislodge a jam at the Cintas laundry plant, when the belt dragged him to a dryer, trapping him inside.

His body was found by co-workers more than 20 minutes later. The company blamed Gomes, saying he didn't follow procedure.

"I believe the facts will bear out that that's not true, that he was probably urged by his employers and supervisors, told under threat of termination that he needed to have the pants and the clothes moved into the dryer,â€ said Gomes family attorney Frank Frasier.

The family has filed a lawsuit against Cintas, a few of its employees and Lavatec, the maker of the dryer.

"There's safeguards that were on the machinery that Mr. Gomes was using that had they been in place would have prevented this terrible tragedy,â€ Frasier said.

Frasier says there have been other complaints, other injuries at Cintas plants around the country. The story gained national attention when Gomes' son testified about workplace safety before members of congress. A federal investigation into the accident continues, one that could spark workplace reform.

In the meantime, Fraiser wants to take it to a jury. He says nothing the suit would ask for could ever bring Gomes back to his family.

"I think in part it is seeking justice so that employers who have been repeatedly told to do the right thing, do the right thing,â€ said Frasier.

A spokeswoman for Cintas says the company has not yet seen the lawsuit and cannot comment on the case.

Watch the video: Lawsuit Filed In Cintas Worker Death

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4/26/2007 Family Of Man Killed At Cintas Plant Speaks At Congress