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Film Recovery Systems Inc.

Description

Stephen Golab, an undocumented worker from Poland, died from cyanide exposure at the Film Recovery and Metallic Marketing facility in Elk Grove where he worked. Golab disconnected a pump on one of the tanks and began to stir the contents of the tank with a rake when he became dizzy and faint. Co-workers observed Golab trembling and foaming at the mouth. He left the production area to take a break in the lunchroom area of the plant. Thereafter, he lost consciousness and was taken out of the plant. Paramedics were unable to revive him and he was pronounced dead on arrival to the hospital. Between March 1982 and March 1983, 20 other Film Recovery employees were exposed to the same dangers. Workers, including Golab, were never informed that they were working with cyanide or that the compound put into the vats could be harmful if inhaled. Workers weren't trained on the hazard or given proper safety equipment. As a result, workers sometimes got the substance on their clothing and skin, causing burns. Officers of the company did not provide storage, detoxification, and disposition of cyanide and other substances containing cyanide. Ventilation in the plant was poor, although ceiling fans were present above the vats. Breathing in the plant was difficult. Workers experienced dizziness, nauseau, headaches, and bouts of vomiting.

Prosecutors

Assistant State's Attorney Jay Magnuson

Incident Type

Chemical Exposure

County

Cook

State

Illinois

Date

February 10, 1983

Available case materials include

  • Case/Court Decisions
  • Media Clips & Gov't. Press
  • Other Materials

OSHA Inspection

Contact for Additional Information

Unavailable

Victims

First Last Age Title Employer Injury Type
Stephen Golab 59 Unavailable Film Recovery Systems Fatality

Defendants

Name Type Title Plea Information Conviction Sentence
Daniel Rodriguez Individual Plant Foreman Unavailable Convicted on all charges. Sentenced to 25 year prison sentence and 14 concurrent 364-day prison sentences.On appeal, the IL Appellate Court reversed the convictions to both the individual and corporate defendants and remanded the matter for retrial. The convictions were overturned.n
Penal Crimes Charged

Murder; Reckless Conduct

Other Crimes Charged

Unavailable

Film Recovery Systems Inc. Entity Entity Unavailable Sentenced to a $10,000 fine for involuntary manslaughter and $14,000 fine for reckless conduct. On appeal, the IL Appellate Court reversed the convictions to both the individual and corporate defendants and remanded the matter for retrial. The convictions were overturned.n
Penal Crimes Charged

Involuntary Manslaughter; Reckless Conduct

Other Crimes Charged

Unavailable

Metallic Marketing Systems Inc. Entity Sister Company Entity Unavailable Sentenced to a $10,000 fine for involuntary manslaughter and $14,000 fine for reckless conduct. On appeal, the Illinois Appellate Court reversed the convictions to both the individual and corporate defendants and remanded the matter for retrial. The convictions were overturned. n
Penal Crimes Charged

Involuntary Manslaughter; Reckless Conduct

Other Crimes Charged

Unavailable

Steven O'Neil Individual President, Film Recovery Systems Inc. Unavailable Convicted on all charges. Sentenced to 25 year prison sentence and 14 concurrent 364-day prison sentences. Fined $10,000 for murder and $14,000 for reckless conduct. On appeal, the IL Appellate Court reversed the convictions to both the individual and corporate defendants and remanded the matter for retrial. The convictions were overturned.n
Penal Crimes Charged

Murder; Reckless Conduct

Other Crimes Charged

Unavailable

Gerald Pett Individual Plant Vice President Unavailable Acquitted of all charges.
Penal Crimes Charged

Murder; Reckless Conduct

Other Crimes Charged

Unavailable

Michael MacKay Individual Owner, B. R. Mackay & Sons Inc. Unavailable Could not be extradited from Utah and was not tried.
Penal Crimes Charged

Murder; Reckless Conduct

Other Crimes Charged

Unavailable

B. R. Mackay & Sons Inc. Entity Entity Unavailable Could not be extradited from Utah and was not tried.
Penal Crimes Charged

Involuntary Manslaughter

Other Crimes Charged

Unavailable

Charles Kirschbaum Individual Plant Manager Unavailable Convicted on all charges. Sentenced to 25 year prison sentence and 14 concurrent 364-day prison sentences. Fined $10,000 for murder and $14,000 for reckless conduct. On appeal, the IL Appellate Court reversed the convictions to both the individual and corporate defendants and remanded the matter for retrial. The convictions were overturned.n
Penal Crimes Charged

Murder; Reckless Conduct

Other Crimes Charged

Unavailable