As per the estimates reported in the Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses that was conducted by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were nearly 3.0 million workplace illnesses and injuries in private industries in 2014. Of these, nearly 2.8 million, or 95.1%, were injuries. The BLS also reported that in 2009, more than 1.2 million workers missed days at work as a result of non-fatal injuries from industrial accidents. Industrial accidents also caused 4,340 deaths that year. Chemical plants are processing facilities that convert chemicals into new products. Although these plants and refineries are designed to produce useful materials, they pose a hazardous threat to workers as well as residents who live near the plants. Employers need to ensure that the highest safety standards are met to prevent potentially devastating accidents. Explosions, accidents and injuries can be caused by a number of reasons, which include:
- Gas leaks
- Toxic chemical exposure
- Unsafe working conditions
- Falling objects
- Malfunctioning equipment
- Human error
- Poorly maintained equipment
- Inadequate training of workers
Ever since chemical plants and refineries have been in operation, there have been serious accidents, forcing improvement in trends concerning occupational safety. Many explosions and accidents can be prevented if proper safety regulations and procedures are followed by facilities. It is naturally hazardous to work in chemical plants and refineries. Such facilities have an increased risk of serious injury or death compared to other workplaces.
Injuries that Occur in Refineries and Chemical Plants
Serious burns – Burns are the most common injuries that can take place at oil refineries. Fires can erupt due to several reasons such as gas leaks and faulty equipment. Employees can be victims of burns if they at ear the fore when it occurs or do not have enough time to escape from the facility. Burns can cause damage to the body and painful injury, resulting in destruction of skin or muscles, hospitalization, disability, loss of work, or death. Injuries or illness caused by chemical exposure – Workers in refineries and chemical plants are exposed to a large number of chemicals on a daily basis, including chlorine, sulfuric acid, hydrofluoric acid and sulfur dioxide. Depending on their level of toxicity, these chemicals can cause burns, irritations, inflammation, shock, collapse, or even death. Acute toxic chemicals do not take long after exposure to cause damage and they can produce long-term effects. Injuries caused by explosions – Apart from extensive burns, explosions can cause a wide range of severe injuries including nerve damage, traumatic brain injury, shockwave injuries, and crush injuries. Additionally, an initial blast can immediately kill workers who may be too close to the explosion site.
A Standout Law Firm
If you or a loved one has been injured in a chemical plant, you should seek the help of a personal injury attorney at Rosenberg, Minc, Falloff, & Wolff of RMFW Law at 212-344-1000. The first meeting is free. Give us a call. We will devise a winning strategy for you and we will carry out what needs to be carried out. We know how to handle sensitive evidence. We know how to secure game changing information. We know what it takes to win. If you want to be on the winning side, you need to give us a call. We know the law and we know which legal buttons to press and when to press them. RMFW Law will work hard for you. The first meeting is free. It costs you nothing to have a meeting with us.