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Worker Injuries and Deaths Continue at Top-Producing Oil Refineries
Oil workers face numerous workplace hazards and should seek the advice of a knowledgeable attorney if they experience workplace injuries.
October 02, 2011 /Employment - Careers PR News/ -- While it is no secret that oil refineries are dangerous places to work, the public often forgets about the daily hazards oil workers face until a tragedy occurs. A recent explosion at a British oil refinery, that killed and injured multiple workers, again highlights this stark reality. These deadly oil refinery accidents can have devastating and lifelong consequences for refinery workers and their families. Seeking experienced legal help is one way to minimize the impact of these incidents.
Explosion in Britain
A deadly explosion recently occurred during routine maintenance work to a storage tanker at the Pembroke oil refinery in southwest Wales. Witnesses heard a loud bang, and then saw black smoke billowing from the refinery. While the cause of the explosion is still under investigation, four workers were killed and one was severely injured by the blast, even though the tank was not full. California-based Chevron currently owns the facility, which produces 3.5 million gallons of gasoline daily for distribution in the U.S. and Britain.
Continued Dangers
According to Department of Labor statistics, there have been 77 fatalities and 7,550 injuries reported by both onshore and offshore U.S. oil production facilities since 1968. Twenty deaths and 7,400 injuries occurred at oil refineries from 2003 to today. While the causes of accidents vary, 90 percent of 51 refineries questioned indicated the existence of "highly hazardous conditions," according to a 2007 survey by the Tony Mazzocchi Center for Health, Safety and Environmental Education. These conditions included locating trailers or unprotected buildings near high risk processing facilities and allowing non-essential workers in high risk areas.
Injuries to Workers
Oil workers are at risk to sustain serious injuries from the constant work hazards they face. Oil refinery accidents include explosions, fires, chemical spills and burns, steam burns, toxic gas release and maintenance or "turnaround" incidents. Common injuries range from broken bones, severed limbs and burns to traumatic brain injuries, paralysis and death.
Experienced Legal Help
Oil workers harmed during workplace accidents may be eligible for workers' compensation benefits. However, they may also be able to pursue personal injury cases against the oil refinery owners or other third parties responsible for accidents. To pursue these third party claims, hiring a personal injury attorney with experience in oil refinery accidents is crucial. A personal injury lawyer can help injured workers, or the families of workers killed during an oil refinery accident, recover for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and wrongful death.
Article provided by The Edwards Law Firm
Visit us at www.edwardsfirm.com
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