[04-11-2025] Riverside County, CA – Ammonia Leak at Cold-Storage Warehouse Sends Eight Workers to Hospital in Riverside

Eight employees were hospitalized and nine others were exposed following an ammonia leak at a cold-storage warehouse in Riverside on Friday morning, April 11, 2025.

According to the Riverside Fire Department, the incident occurred just before 6:00 a.m. at Lineage Integrated Solutions, located at 1001 Columbia Avenue.

A malfunction in the building’s refrigeration system released the smell of ammonia into the warehouse, prompting an emergency response.

The Riverside County Department of Environmental Health’s hazardous materials unit reported that a worn check valve on a roof unit allowed an evaporator to blow ammonia-contaminated air into the facility. Though the concentration was low, the exposure was enough to send eight workers to the hospital and affect a total of 17 people.

The injuries were not detailed, but typical ammonia exposure symptoms include respiratory issues and eye or nasal irritation. All affected individuals are expected to recover. No injuries were reported among firefighters.

The leak was contained after Lineage’s maintenance contractor repaired the faulty valve. The incident remains under review by health and safety officials.

Call Our Dedicated Workers’ Compensation Lawyers in Riverside, CA

Workplace injuries can lead to significant physical pain, emotional stress, and financial burdens. If you or a loved one has been injured at work, obtaining legal support is crucial to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. We are here to guide you through the claims process and advocate for your recovery.

Our dedicated workers’ compensation attorneys in Riverside are ready to assist you with your insurance claim and represent you in court if necessary. With over $750 million recovered for our clients, Arash Law is known as one of California’s most trusted personal injury law firms.

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What To Do After A Workplace Accident In Riverside, CA

If you’ve been injured in a workplace accident in Riverside, you are entitled to compensation under California’s workers’ compensation law, regardless of who was at fault. In the event of a wrongful death, surviving family members may also be eligible for additional compensation.

To safeguard your health and protect your legal rights, take the following steps immediately after a workplace accident:

1. Report The Incident To The Employer — Notify your employer or supervisor immediately. This will ensure the incident is documented, and appropriate measures can be taken.
2. Seek Medical Attention — Regardless of the severity of your injuries, it’s important to seek medical evaluation promptly. Some injuries may not be apparent right away but could worsen over time. Medical records will also serve as valuable evidence in your claim.
3. Document The Scene — If possible, take photos or videos of the accident scene, including any equipment, conditions, or other factors that contributed to the incident. This evidence can be crucial in supporting your claim.
4. Gather Witness Information — Obtain contact details and statements from any witnesses to the incident. Their testimonies can strengthen your case.
5. File A Workers’ Compensation Claim — In California, most workers are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits after a workplace injury. Report the incident to your employer and file a claim as soon as possible.
6. Keep Detailed Records — Keep a record of all medical treatments, expenses, and any impact the injury has had on your daily life. This documentation will be important in building your case.
7. Consult With An Experienced Workers’ Compensation Lawyer — Call our skilled workers’s compensation lawyers to discuss your case and explore your legal options. An attorney can help you navigate the workers’ compensation process and pursue additional compensation if third-party liability is involved.

I HAD AN ACCIDENT

Workplace Accident Statistics

The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported 5,486 fatal work injuries in the US in 2022, a 5.7% increase from 5,190 in 2021. The BLS stated that in 2022, a worker died every 96 minutes from a work-related injury, compared to every 101 minutes in 2021.

Transportation incidents remained the most frequent type of fatal event, accounting for 37.7% of all occupational fatalities. There were 2,066 fatal injuries from transportation incidents in 2022, a 4.2% increase from 1,982 in 2021.

Additionally, work-related fatalities due to falls, slips, and trips increased by 1.8% in 2022, resulting in 865 fatalities, up from 850 in 2021. Most fatalities in this category (80.9%) were due to falls to lower levels, which accounted for 700 fatalities in 2022, a 2.9% increase from 680 fatalities in 2021.

Navigating the process of recovering the financial compensation an accident victim is entitled to can be challenging. To have the best chance of recovering financially, individuals should ensure they are working with experienced Riverside workplace injury lawyers.