Common Injuries Oil Refinery Workers Can Experience During an Explosion
By Space Coast Daily // May 9, 2018
Burn Injuries Can Create Long-Term issues
According to a recent study, working in an oil refinery is one of the most dangerous jobs on the planet.
Owners of these establishments are typically very concerned with the safety of their employees. However, even the slightest misstep during this oil refining process can lead to explosions and fires.
The recent explosion at Husky Energy in Wisconsin has many who work in this industry concerned. As most Wisconsin explosion lawyer firms will tell you, these types of incidents are surprisingly common.
Are you curious about what type of injuries are common during oil refinery explosions? If so, take a look at the following list.
Burn Injuries Can Create Long-Term issues
One of the most common injuries related to oil refinery explosions are burns. If an employee is working around the site of an explosion or on equipment that explodes, they will typically experience severe burns. Some of the biggest refinery fires have been started by chemical spills.
When chemical spills are ignored, it will result in extensive damage to the facility and the workers around the spill site. The burns a person sustains in these accidents can cause significant and long-term damage. Generally, third and fourth degree burns will require extensive surgeries to fix.
Traumatic Brain Injuries are Very Common
If a refinery explosion is particularly severe, it can catapult employees into walls and other objects. The impact from this accident can cause traumatic brain injuries. Most people fail to realize that even mild brain injuries can affect a person’s life in a negative way for years to come.
The falling debris from an explosion can also cause these types of injuries. If workers are not wearing hardhats, they are at risk of brain injury should they get hit with debris. Classic indicators of a brain injury include things like dizziness, loss of consciousness and even seizures. As soon as you experience these symptoms, you should seek out the help of a medical professional. These professionals can diagnose and treat the injuries you have sustained.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Being blown off of a high platform in an oil refinery due to the impact of an explosion can cause spinal cord injuries. These types of injuries can lead to you losing the ability to walk. The sooner you can get treated for an injury like this, the better your chances of recovery are.
When damage to the spinal cord occurs, it can affect your ability to think and use your extremities. If you feel as if the explosion you were injured in was caused by negligence, you need to seek out some legal counsel.
Once a lawyer hears the circumstances of your case, they can offer you advice regarding whether or not you should pursue a lawsuit. If the injury in question prohibits you from working, you have no choice but to file suit. With the assistance of a lawyer who has experience with refinery explosions, you can get the money you are owed.
Following all safety guidelines is a great way to minimize the risk of injury when working in an oil refinery. If you see something in your work environment that could present a threat to your safety, you should inform management immediately.
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