The majority of Texas’ refineries are located predominantly in Houston. Around 2.6 million barrels of crude oil are processed every calendar day at the ten refineries in the Houston metro.
Although rare, refineries and plants are at a greater risk of explosions. The release of gases, reactions, and heat build-up can lead to serious explosions if proper measures are not in place.
Such explosions result in devastating consequences that affect the workers, local community, and the refinery or plant for several years. If you are injured due to a refinery or plant explosion, a Houston explosion lawyer will help you receive the compensation you are entitled to.
Causes of Refinery and Plant Explosions
Violation of OSHA and Other Safety Regulations
Not adhering to the safety regulations is among the leading causes of explosions in plants and refineries. Every employer must implement and maintain the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) regulations and adhere to the Texas Health and Safety Code.
Any violation of these regulations exposes the plant or refinery to an explosion risk and other injuries.
Impure or Dirty Chemicals
If the unit uses contaminated chemicals, it can soon lead to unfavorable chemical reactions. It often causes explosive reactions that are hazardous to the workers and the locals residing around the plant or refinery.
A chemical leak also has serious consequences. The recent chemical leak in a La Porte plant led to at least two deaths and the hospitalization of several people.
Unseen Corrosion
Metals wear down quickly and turn weak at refineries and plants. They soon suffer from corrosion and get worse with every use. These dangers can easily go unnoticed.
Poor Maintenance
Proper maintenance and inspection are crucial. Otherwise, the storage tanks, boilers, pressure vessels, and other equipment fail. The heat or chemical build-up within them may cross the saturation level and cause an explosion.
Consequences
Burns and Injuries
Explosions at refineries or plants can lead to severe injuries and burns. Someone standing several yards away from the explosion area may also suffer third-degree burns. The painful injuries could sometimes be long-lasting.
Exploding and falling debris or infrastructure leads to cuts, muscle sprains, broken bones, spinal and brain injuries. Meanwhile, smoke inhalation causes difficulty in breathing and may rupture the small airways.
Trauma
The explosion has a lasting psychological impact as well. Many explosion victims have post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD). Constant mental distress, anxiety, or depression interferes with daily activities and may lead to other problems.
Property Damage
Houston has a population of about 2,320,268. While the plant or refinery location sustains the most damage, the explosion force throws debris outward. At times, people living a few miles away from the refinery or plant feel the impact of an explosion.
Homes, vehicles, and businesses in the surrounding areas may suffer property damages. At times, exposure to chemical contamination leads to disease and other medical issues.
If you suffer injuries, damages, or trauma due to a refinery or plant explosion caused by negligence or malice, you have every right to take legal action. An efficient Houston explosion lawyer represents you and ensures that you get the proper compensation.
