Were You Injured in a Plant or Refinery Accident in East Texas?
If you are an industrial worker or live near an industrial plant, you are no doubt aware of the risk of hazard. Plant and refinery workers have one of the most dangerous jobs in the nation. On a daily basis, they work with heavy machinery, hazardous chemicals and can even work long hours. Even a minor mistake or oversight can cause an accident of massive proportions. If you became the victim of an accident such as this, there is legal action you can take. By contacting a Longview work injury attorney from Sloan, Bagley, Hatcher, Perry, Runge, Robertson and Smith Law Firm, you can discuss your case for free.
Industrial Accident Statistics
Accidents that result in deaths and injuries are far too common at the workplace. In 2010, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) reported that there were nearly 5,000 fatal workplace injuries. Those are statistics for the entire U.S. workforce, but the statistics for specifically industrial and manufacturing workers was over 300 deaths. Next year’s report in 2011 indicated that there were nearly three million total workplace accidents and illnesses throughout the nation. These numbers are staggering and even more tragic because these incidents never had to happen. Workplace accidents and injuries are typically avoidable. When industrial plants fail to adhere to the necessary safety measures under federal agencies such as the EPA and OSHA, serious accidents occur. In some cases, these accidents are partially the fault of investigators who failed to conduct thorough investigations or investigations at all.
What Causes Plant and Refinery Accidents?
One of the most common causes of industrial accidents is human error. To foster a safe work environment as much as possible, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) through the DOL has implemented rules and regulations for the industrial industry to follow. These regulations cover everything from safe machinery operation to mandating regular worksite inspections. Any worker or resident of the surrounding community who is injured because of an accident at an industrial plant may have a claim to file against the plant operator.
Equipment malfunctions also cause many of these accidents. To keep a plant running and operating safely, the plant operator should schedule routine maintenance and frequent inspections. More eyes on the equipment at more frequent intervals can significantly decrease the chance of an accident. Accidents can also occur because hazardous chemicals were not stored or used properly. A leaky hose, an over-heated container and many other scenarios can all be potentially fatal. An accident investigation will result in the answer to the question: “Who is responsible?”
Contact The Sloan Firm Today
As a firm with Texas roots, we are extremely familiar with this type of accident. Texas is home to a bustling industrial industry and many manufacturing plants as well as refineries. Workers, those in the surrounding community and even first responders can be seriously injured and even killed in these types of accidents. If this describes an accident that you or one of your loved ones was involved in, then please make no hesitation in contacting our firm. Speaking with a Longview work injury lawyer at our firm is free. We can carefully evaluate your case. Contact Sloan, Bagley, Hatcher, Perry, Runge, Robertson and Smith Law Firm today.