Two workers sustain burns in accident at Johnson Brass

Two workers sustained burns at Johnson Brass and Machine Foundry in the Village of Saukville on Tuesday after a chemical reaction caused molten metal to violently bubble and splash on them. 

“Everything appeared to be normal, but there was some kind of a reaction and it caused the molten metal to essentially explode back at them,” said Acting Saukville Fire Chief Bill Rice said.

Neither of the workers sustained life-threatening injuries. One was transferred by a Saukville ambulance to Ascension Columbia St. Mary’s Hospital Ozaukee in Mequon after sustaining burns to their face and neck from the molten metal. 

The other worker, who sustained minor burns, was transported in a personal vehicle for a checkup. 

Rice said he is not sure what caused the reaction but believes it may have been the result of the molten metal coming in contact with moisture while workers were pouring it. 

Rice added that both workers were wearing safety equipment and following standard procedure. 

“I’m not aware they did anything wrong,” he said. 

Another worker was seriously injured at Johnson Brass on April 26 during the cleaning process and was transferred via a Flight for Life helicopter to Froedtert Medical Center in Wauwatosa. 

A representative from Johnson Brass was not immediately available for comment.