Oil refineries are one of the most hazardous workplaces. Houston has a large number of oil refineries with thousands of workers, which increases the risk of accidents. The area has 10 major oil refineries producing over 45% of Texas oil.
Most incidents in these areas involve spills, leaks, explosions, and harmful exposure. Victims who suffer injuries due to negligence should consult a Houston oil refinery accident lawyer to help them seek justice.
Here are the four most common ways accidents happen at oil refineries in Houston.
1. Fire and Explosions
In 2023, reports show that Texas accounted for at least seven out of 13 oil refinery accidents reported in the country. Because of the presence of flammable gases, vapors, and liquids, even a small spark in an oil refinery can lead to a major explosion.
Most of these accidents involve gas leaks and equipment malfunctions. Unfortunately, a good percentage of Houston equipment uses old or outdated equipment. Also, owners are sometimes negligent and delay fixing faulty equipment until unions or the law step in. This increases the risk of unexpected fires and explosions.
2. Chemical Exposure to Toxic Fumes
A wide range of chemicals, such as hydrogen sulfide, benzene, and ammonia, are handled at oil refineries. These substances cause serious health risks when inhaled, ingested, or even absorbed through the skin. Exposure to these fumes can have immediate symptoms such as:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Difficulty breathing
Long-term exposure can cause chronic illnesses like cancer. Exposure is often caused by leaks, poor handling of chemicals, or lack of enough ventilation. OSHA violations also largely contribute to these incidents. Most workers don’t take time to read the papers stuck on notice boards in the refineries. To reduce the risks, refineries should enforce strict protocols, use PPEs, and give workers enough training.
3. Slips and Falls
Slips, trips, and falls are very common in oil refineries. These are due to oil spills, cluttered workspaces, and working at heights. Workers may slip on these chemicals or trip over unsecured equipment due to poor housekeeping. Sometimes, not wearing a harness properly or standing too close to the edge increases the risk of falling and sustaining serious injuries.
These accidents can cause:
- Concussions
- Fractures
- Spinal injuries that lead to permanent disabilities
- Death
To reduce these accidents, oil refineries should enforce housekeeping protocols to avoid clutter, have anti-slip floors, and ensure that guardrails and harnesses are used when working at heights.
4. Contacting Objects
Oil refineries use heavy machinery, pipes, and high-pressure systems, which pose a risk of accidents when a worker comes into contact with them. Workers may be hit by falling tools, crane loads, or malfunctioning equipment.
Due to the size and weight of these hazards, such accidents often result in serious injuries. Sadly, a majority of these accidents occur due to ignoring markings and tags.
Conclusion
Every day, oil refinery workers are faced with numerous hazardous situations. However, most of these accidents can be prevented by using the right equipment, training workers on safety measures, and enforcing the use of PPE. Through these strict regulations, refineries will be encouraging vigilance while protecting their workers from harm.
