The United States produces more oil than it consumes, which means there are more oil rigs, fields, and refineries than ever before. And while that means more jobs, it also means more risk.
Working in a refinery is dangerous, and when a refinery accident explosion happens, figuring out who’s responsible can be a long and complicated process.
There are different people and companies involved in running an oil refinery, and when something goes wrong, each one might play a role in the accident. Here are the major culprits:
Oil Refinery Owners and Operators
At the top of the chain are the refinery owners and operators. They’re responsible for making sure everything runs safely. That means keeping up with maintenance, training workers properly, and following all safety regulations.
But then again, running a refinery costs a lot of money, and sometimes companies try to save cash by cutting corners. If they ignore safety measures, fail to train workers properly, or don’t fix broken equipment, they can be held responsible when an accident happens.
There are rules in place to prevent this. Organizations like OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) have strict safety guidelines for refineries.
If a company repeatedly ignores these rules, it can end up on OSHA’s Severe Violator Enforcement Program list, which is basically a public record of companies that don’t take safety seriously.
Third-Party Contractors and Equipment Manufacturers
Not everyone working at a refinery is actually employed by the refinery itself. Many refineries hire third-party contractors to handle specific jobs, like maintenance or construction. If one of these contractors doesn’t follow safety rules or does a poor job, they could be held responsible for an accident.
Then there are the equipment manufacturers. Refineries use massive machinery to process oil, and if a piece of equipment is defective or installed incorrectly, it can cause a disaster.
If a manufacturer sells faulty equipment that leads to an explosion or another kind of accident, they could be held liable.
Oil and Gas Companies
The oil and gas industry is one of the most dangerous industries out there. Workers are constantly exposed to toxic chemicals, high-pressure machinery, and the risk of explosions. That’s why strict safety protocols exist. But if a company ignores these protocols, the risk of accidents goes up.
Oil and gas companies oversee many steps of the refining process, from drilling to turning crude oil into usable products. If they don’t enforce proper safety measures, or if their negligence leads to an accident, they can be held accountable.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Refinery Accident?
Aside from the major players mentioned above, here are other parties that can be held liable for an explosion in the refinery:
- Negligent individuals: Workers who handle dangerous materials carelessly
- Safety inspectors: If they fail to properly check for risks and approve unsafe conditions
- Compliance managers: If they ignore safety violations or fail to enforce safety rules
- Equipment suppliers: If they provide faulty or defective machinery
- Site management: If they knowingly allow unsafe work conditions or don’t provide proper training
Sometimes, multiple people and companies share the blame. For example, if a refinery operator ignored safety training, and a third-party contractor installed defective equipment, both could be responsible when an accident happens.
If you’ve become a victim and you can’t figure out who exactly to hold responsible, your next step should be to hire a decent lawyer who can help you do so.
