Hockey Trainers Allege Exposure to Dangerous Chemicals from the Operation of Ice Resurfacing Equipment. (2024)
Anyone who has watched a hockey game in person is probably aware of the ubiquitous Zamboni ice resurfacing machine. The Zamboni is a vehicle similar to a commercial or industrial floor cleaner, which smooths the ice surface to make it appropriate for a professional hockey game. The standard Zamboni, which has been used for decades, runs on an internal combustion engine and emits known carcinogens in its exhaust. When used in a semi-enclosed space over extended periods of time, Zambonis may present a health risk to anyone regularly present while the machines are in use. Two athletic trainers for the Philadelphia Flyers professional hockey team have filed a lawsuit against the team and facilities, alleging they have developed health problems as a result of the defendants’ unsafe use of Zambonis.
According to the facts discussed in a local news report describing the recently filed case, the two plaintiffs have been employed by the team for over 15 years, and each was repeatedly exposed to the Zamboni machines extensively while the teams were practicing. The plaintiffs’ claims allege that each of the men developed essential thrombocythemia, which is a rare blood disorder that may be linked to the carcinogens present in the Zamboni exhaust. One of the plaintiffs has also developed a type of blood cancer that may be linked to the chemicals The plaintiffs further allege that the defendants knew or should have known of the carcinogenic risk from using the Zambonis as they did. Furthermore, the plaintiffs noted that there are effective alternatives to a Zamboni that do not utilize an internal combustion engine that emits carcinogens, and such machinery could have should have been used instead of the Zambonis.
Although the case has only recently been filed and the defendants have responded that the plaintiffs’ claims are without merit, the plaintiffs may be entitled to a significant settlement or judgment if they can demonstrate that the defendants knew of the dangers to the plaintiffs, kept them in the dark about it, and repeatedly allowed them to be exposed to the dangerous chemicals. When exposure to dangerous chemicals results in permanent health problems, the damages awarded can be substantial.
Have You Been Hurt or Sickened by Hazardous Chemicals?
If you or someone you love has been injured or made ill by repeated exposure to dangerous chemicals, the Maine personal injury attorneys at Peter Thompson & Associates can help you pursue a claim for damages. Our skilled civil attorneys are experienced in representing clients who have been hurt by the reckless or negligent conduct of others, and we will fight for you to receive the compensation that you deserve. If you hire us and we don’t win your case, you don’t pay a dime. At Peter Thompson & Associates we represent clients in Maine product liability cases, as well as other personal injury, wrongful death, negligence, and medical malpractice claims. To schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today, call us at 1-800-804-2004 or reach out to us through our website.
They allege the defendants knew the Zambonis were emitting dangerous chemicals and that they knew or should have known exposure to these chemicals and fumes could lead to health problems for Jim McCrossin and Sal Raffa.
Most Zambonis use propane as their fuel source. Because propane has lower emissions, it's ideal for indoor use. Propane is also efficient, making it an affordable choice for most hockey rinks and arenas.
Anhydrous ammonia is a toxic gas recognizable by its pungent odor. Anhydrous ammonia compressed into a liquid form is commonly used in mechanical refrigeration systems for indoor ice rinks and other facilities. It becomes a gas when released into the ambient air.
The main chemicals of the ice is H2O and Nitrogen. H2O is the main ingredient and nitrogen keeps it cold. Adrenaline is composed of sodium chloride,sodium metabisulfite, and hydrochloric acid.
However, salaries can vary based on skill level, location, and years of experience. Salaries for NHL Zamboni drivers range from $29,000 to $31,000, with some earning up to $37,500 annually.
As the sizes and options of the Zamboni machines vary greatly according to each ice arena's individual needs, so does the price. The Model 100 (a small tractor pulled unit) may be in the neighborhood of $10,000.00 or more and the full-sized machines can be up to or in the low six figures.
According to their website, the costs of Zamboni machines vary greatly depending on the model size. The sizes depend on the needs of each ice arena. Prices can range from tens of thousands of dollars to over a million dollars.
The Zamboni is a mechanical ice resurfacer. It works by scraping the ice surface and collecting the snow (which is later discarded). Next, it "cleans" the ice, by putting down water which flushes the grooves deep in the ice, loosening any dirt or debris. The excess water and dirt is then collected.
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