Industrial plants are inherently dangerous places. Plant workers often work with dangerous chemicals, and even in a plant where every possible safety regulation is strictly enforced, accidents can happen. When accidents happen in these plants, they often result in chemical reactions that can cause fires. These fires can lead to explosions that can affect not only the plant workers, but the first responders and surrounding community as well.
Even with advancements in safety precautions and regulations, these deadly explosions continue to occur. Just this April, an explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas rocked the entire town, killing at least 15 people.
Even if an employer wants to make safety a high priority, safety does not come cheap. Industrial employers may cut the budget for safety measures to increase profits, thus leading to an unsafe working environment.
Employers are not the only ones responsible for plant safety; employees play an equally critical role. Safety protocols are worthless if employees fail to follow them every single day, during every single process. However, it is easy to take safety for granted, and employees may become lax about following safety protocols. When safety is ignored, catastrophic injury or death can result.
Equipment is also an issue that must be considered in any type of industrial plant explosion. Plants have to maintain equipment and be vigilant about checking for wear and tear that can lead to compromised safety. Employees must be trained on how to use equipment properly, and employers must make sure all equipment comes with safety features. Also, the manufacturer of the materials used in a particular industry may supply a faulty product or defective equipment, thus creating another potential risk.
Industrial explosions can lead to a number of serious injuries, including:
- Nervous system injuries, including spinal cord, brain, and nerve damage
- Broken bones
- Amputations or severed limbs
- Traumatic brain injuries including concussions
- Hearing/vision loss
- Other permanent disabilities
If you or a family member is victim of a industrial explosion, call Kirkendall Dwyer LLP for a free consultation. Our attorneys are experienced and compassionate, and can provide you the legal assistance you need to recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.