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Chemical plant and refinery mishaps are some of the most dangerous workplace accidents in the nation. In 2012, an 8" pipe filled with hot materials leaked, starting a fire. Thousands of people were treated for injuries. In 2005, a BP refinery in Texas City exploded, leading to 170 injuries, 15 deaths, and $1.6 billion in potential lawsuit payouts.
Last week, Baytown experienced a refinery accident scare of its own when a unit at the ExxonMobil Baytown Olefins Plant malfunctioned and sent a large rumble through the local community. No injuries were reported, but the incident is a reminder for refinery workers and owners to always make safety their priority.
What Causes a Refinery Explosion?
Oil refinery employees are subjected to a broad spectrum of workplace hazards every day. Arguably, explosions are one of the most dangerous types of workplace accidents. Sometimes, these accidents seem unavoidable; other times, they are the direct result of employee or employee negligence. Learn more about plant accidents and personal injury lawsuits here.
Common causes are:
- Chemical Leaks
- Fires or Sparks
- Out-Dated Machinery
- Untrained Employees
- Disregarding Safety Instruction
- Old Pipes and Gas Lines
The U.S. Chemical Safety Board (USCS) spent considerable time investigating these types of accidents, and reports that better technology could prevent future accidents. On the other hand, the USCS warns,if employers fail to enforce proper safety, new technology cannot prevent more devastating explosions.
Significant Explosions & Their Causes
- 1988 – A rocket fuel plant in Nevada, called The Henderson, exploded when welders ignited a drum of ammonium percolate.
- 2012 – A manufacturing facility exploded when a highly flammable substance, resin, started a fire and quickly spread to nearby tanks of chemicals.
- 2013 (July) – More than 100 people were injured after a re-boiler ruptured, detonating an explosive vapor cloud of explosive gasses at a Louisiana plant.
- 2013 (August) – An oil refinery exploded when a 30 –year-old pipe leaked hazardous fumes into the air for several hours and eventually exploded.
Legal Representation for Plant Explosion Victims in Baytown
If you suffered an injury or the death of a loved one in a dangerous chemical plant explosion, you have the right to file a lawsuit and fight for compensation. At The Daspit Law Firm, our team is committed to helping clients recover the funds that they deserve and need.