Industrial Heat: Workplace Risks for Explosive Burn Injuries
One of the worst possible ways to die is by fire. In addition to the excruciating pain caused by the heat and flames, fires can also cause you to asphyxiate. But that’s not all; if you’re lucky enough to escape the inferno with your life, injuries sustained in the blaze can cause long-term pain, scarring, and permanent disabilities. Although accidental fires and explosions can occur anywhere, certain jobs kindle increased risks.
Fiery Risks of Construction, Maritime, and Industrial Work
Any job that requires metal work, welding, the transportation of flammable materials, or the stockpiling of explosive substances is going to have high-risk factors for fire and explosion accidents. Unfortunately, industrial work such as construction and maritime port work require not only one of these hazardous threats, but in many cases, all of them.
Industrial fires can start by way of arson, lightning strikes, equipment sparks, or by accident. However, when a flame comes in contact with flammable or explosive materials—such as fertilizer, gas tanks, or chemicals—they can detonate into a disastrous blast. These explosions or the resulting fires can cause serious injuries including third-degree burns, internal bleeding or brain damage from the percussive force, breathing problems, and even death. Furthermore, the long-term financial and emotional toll on your family can be even more disastrous.
The truly sad aspect of these accidents though, is the fact that many of them could be prevented if employers would only comply with the fire safety standards set out by the Occupational Health and Safety Administration.
Employer Protection
In addition to being obligated to provide safety equipment and training, employers must also ensure that their employees are knowledgeable when it comes to what can potentially spark a flame. Some good examples are as follows:
- Rusty light metals. When lighter metals become coated with iron oxide (rust), they are more likely to cause a spark when rubbed against steel.
- Aluminum. Equipment made of aluminum, such as ladders and gangways, can leave flammable residue when dragged across steel surfaces.
- Moving objects. Any object made of a material that could generate a spark should be secured to prevent it from sliding.
- Clothing and shoes. The wrong clothing can create the risk of electrostatic discharges that can spark a fire. Only wear anti-electrostatic clothing and shoes.
If your employer has failed to give you and your co-workers adequate training, proper safety gear, or the safety information you need to avoid fire injuries, you need to contact OSHA right away for a safety investigation.
Extinguishing Consequences of Employer Negligence
Do you know how you’ll provide for your family if injured in a workplace fire? Will your employer take care of you, even though he failed to protect you? Injury compensation, by way of a personal injury suit or workers’ compensation, may be available to you and your family. However, these work injury lawsuits can be complicated. Therefore, it’s advised that you have an experienced attorney on your side to help determine your course of action,
Attorney Steve Lee wants to help you build a strong claim. With over 35 years of experience under his belt, he knows the employer tricks and insurance tactics that can be used to lessen your settlement. Allow him to help you compile evidence that will cause their hopes of taking advantage of you go up in smoke. Contact us today to learn more.