Pollution Exclusion Found Inapplicable to Workplace Exposure

CHICAGO - A standard pollution exclusion in a commercial general liability policy was not intended to preclude coverage for injuries to a worker accidentally splashed with chemicals during normal work operations, a federal judge has ruled. Pacific Employers Insurance Co., et al. v. Clean Harbors Environmental Services Inc., et al., No. 08-C-2180 (N.D. Ill.).

Judge John W. Darrah of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois ordered National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh to reimburse Clean Harbors Environmental Services Inc. for its settlement with an employee who claimed injuries from moving barrels of toxic chemicals.