Houston Refinery Accidents Caused by Lack of Training
Refineries are an important part of the energy production process, but not all refineries have safe operating procedures in place.
Refinery accidents are known to result in catastrophic injuries, but they can be avoided with employees receive proper training.
These facilities have a responsibility to ensure that all employees have a clear understanding of the equipment they use, the chemicals they handle, and the potential hazards of combustion.
Refiners can potentially reduce the risk of accidents and workplace injuries by ensuring that employees:
- Avoid horseplay
- Arrive to work well-rested and alert
- Report any accidents and injuries right away, and
- Only perform job functions for which they have received proper training
Importance of Refinery Worker Training
Safety procedures are used to prevent serious workplace injuries, but an emphasis on safety can make employees feel more valued. Safety procedures can also help companies maximize production by avoiding interruptions and shutdowns caused by accidents. Refiners are required to provide workers with training that includes:
- Safe work habits
- Hazardous substance risks
- Emergency response procedures
- Proper usage of personal protective equipment
- Safe usage of electrical equipment
Risks Posed by Lack of Training of Oilfield Workers
Employees working at refineries are often in close proximity to significant quantities of flammable and toxic chemicals each and every day. These workers are often exposed to dangerous chemicals and hazardous byproducts of oil and petroleum production. Workers at the greatest risk of injury include welders, platform workers, pipefitters, painters, sandblasters, and shutdown workers.
Creating and implementing safety procedures is a crucial aspect of minimizing potential disasters on the job. Common risks of refinery employee safety violations include the following:
- Lead poisoning
- Benzene exposure
- Respiratory system damage
- Severe burns
- Head trauma and brain damage
- Broken bones
- Electrocutions
- Lung disease
- Leukemia
- Mesothelioma
- Multiple myelomas
You Need a Houston Refinery Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one were injured in a refinery accident in Houston, you may be entitled to recover lost compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, pain and suffering, and other damages related to the accident. An experienced Houston workplace injury attorney can help you secure the compensation you need to make a full recovery. Connolly Law believes in holding large oil companies accountable for negligence and ensuring that injured parties obtain the compensation they deserve.
Houston Oilfield Accident Attorneys
Texas has the highest rate of fatal oil and gas accidents in the country, with more oilfield deaths than any other state. Connolly Law is here to provide you with help when you need it most. Kevin J. Connolly at Connolly Law believes in giving back to the community, and our legal team is here to victims of Houston oil field accidents after being injured due to the negligence of a Texas big oil company. Our team of Houston oil rig accident attorneys is here to fight for your legal rights. Give the Houston personal injury lawyers at Connolly Law a call today at 877-CONNLAW to see how we can help.
