Leominster, MA – Two warehouse workers were taken to the hospital Friday afternoon after officials found them with severely high levels of carbon monoxide in their systems.
Leominster Deputy Fire Chief Gary J. Renno said emergency personnel were called to 555 Plastics at 39 Spruce St. about 12:45 p.m. Friday because a worker was on the floor unconscious. After testing both the fallen man and another worker in the building, firefighters determined both men should be transported to the hospital.
The workers, ages 57 and 61 were taken to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester. The younger man reportedly had 42 percent carbon monoxide in his bloodstream, with the older one showing 28 percent.
Deputy Chief Renno said the carbon monoxide seems to have come from a malfunctioning forklift inside the facility, but the matter will be investigated further. He said that with the warehouse doors shut during the winter, the malfunctioning vehicle created a life-threatening situation. It appears both workers will survive the ordeal.
The Leominster Police Department confirmed it is investigating the matter in conjunction with OSHA at this time.