151 Wis. 286 | Wis. | 1912
It is contended by the defendant that the evidence does not sustain the finding that the failure to equip the oven here in question with a pipe and flue connecting its interior with the outer air to carry off the products of combustion and the smoke and fumes was the& proximate cause of the explosion, and it is averred that it was proximately caused by the manner of operating the oven, and that such operation of
It is however insisted that the deceased knew, and under the facts shown must be held to have known, of the dangers incident to operating the oven by closing, or nearly closing, the top vent, as was done, and thus smothering the burning gas in this confined space. The facts and circumstances bearing on the deceased’s knowledge of the danger of so operating the oven are not all one way on this question. The fact that the defendant furnished this appliance in a defective condition and directed the deceased to operate it as it was, implied that the defendant regarded it as safe for its purpose. It also appears that the deceased was referred to Mr. Wade, the foreman of the painting department, for instructions as to the operation of the oven and the performance of the duty of conducting the enameling process in the oven so furnished him. Nothing appears to show that he was informed by Mr. Wade •of the danger that gases and fumes might collect in the oven and extinguish the burning gas if they were not carried off through vents. It appears that he complained to Mr. Wade that the fire had gone out while the oven was in operation and that he was told to see the person in charge of the gas appliances for defects in the gas fixtures. This clearly indicates that Mr. Wade and the deceased had not thought that the man
It is contended tbat the deceased must be held to have known tbat gas mixed with air is highly explosive upon ignition and tbat such a mixture would accumulate in tbe oven after tbe burning gas fire bad become smothered and extinguished under tbe conditions under which this oven was being operated, and tbat therefore be was not entitled to be warned of such a danger; but tbat be assumed tbe risk of an explosion as a hazard of bis employment, and hence tbat no recovery can be bad for bis death. Tbe assumption tbat be must be held to have known tbe danger of explosion from gas mixed with air does not, under tbe circumstances of the case, establish tbat be assumed tbe risk thereof, unless tbe evidence conclusively shows tbat be knew, or ought to have known, of tbe existence of the gas in tbe oven at tbe time of accident. It appears, as indicated heretofore, tbat this danger does not accompany tbe operation of such an oven if it is properly con
But it is claimed that if this presumption does not prevail, still it must follow that tlie deceased was, under the existing conditions, apprised of tbis danger as an incident to operating the oven. Reliance as to this point is placed on the facts that he ordered his men not to go near the oven with an unprotected light, that, to avoid using matches, he ordered an incandescent light to be placed near the thermometer, that he expressed fear of the ovens, that he told those under him, whenever the fire in the oven went out, to open the front doors for five minutes before relighting the gas, and that, as to such an explosion, he had previous experience with a small enamel
The claim is urged that, if the case presented does not' establish that the deceased assumed the risk of the danger which caused his death, it follows from the evidence as matter of law that he was guilty of contributory negligence. Many of the facts involved in the foregoing discussion of the assumption of risk bear on this inquiry, and what was there said as to their legal effect applies to this question. The jury have exonerated the deceased of the charge of any want of -ordinary care which proximately contributed to his death. In addition to the facts heretofore considered, the evidence of the watchman as to what took place immediately preceding the explosion is important as bearing on this issue. It appears that this watchman was on his round of duty and had just
The rules of law governing the case are elementary and so well understood that citation of authorities is unnecessary.
By the Gowrt. — The judgment appealed from is affirmed.