Young Dee Group Chief Executive Officer Desmond Darko has recounted a frightening accident during his days as a fuel attendant at Shell, when petrol splashed into his eyes, leaving him struggling to see.

He said the incident occurred during a period of fuel shortages, when the station had to sell a full tanker load after it was discharged.

Speaking on Joy FM’s Personality Profile with Lexis Bill on Thursday, October 29, Mr Darko said the pressure to sell the fuel meant he had to remain on his feet for long hours.

Mr Darko, now owner of three fuel stations, explained that while taking pump readings, a trainee attendant who was assisting him accidentally splashed V-Power fuel into his face.

“It entered my eyes. In fact, I had to wash my face for about 20 to 30 minutes before I was able to see well,” he said.

Health risks

Mr Darko said the accident exposed him to the risks associated with working around fuel, adding that prolonged exposure to petroleum products could also pose health challenges.

He said he was advised to seek medical attention the following day and followed that advice.

Looking back, he observed that workers in the filling station industry might not always appreciate the dangers they face, particularly when they lack adequate guidance on workplace safety and the need to seek prompt medical care after an accident.

“Some of us didn't actually know what we're doing then,” he said, explaining that workers often concentrated on their duties without fully appreciating the potential consequences of exposure to hazardous substances.

“We were just there working, working, working and here I am today,” he added.

A lesson from experience

Mr Darko’s account highlights the occupational risks that can accompany work at fuel stations, where employees routinely handle highly flammable petroleum products.

His experience also underscores the importance of appropriate safety precautions and prompt medical attention following exposure to fuel.

He said he was grateful to have come through the experience, reflecting on how little he and some of his colleagues understood about the health risks associated with their work at the time.

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Fuel spill nearly made me blind when I worked at Shell — Young Dee Group CEO

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