There are approximately 152 petroleum refineries and 28,000 chemical plants in the United States. Recently, the U.S. Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board alleged that the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) had been neglecting to enforce the safety standards under which oil and chemical facilities operate. The Board found, for example, that only four process safety management inspections took place in the chemical plant sector during the last decade. In 2007, OSHA launched a nationwide petroleum refinery audit, citing “the large number of fatal or catastrophic incidents in the petroleum refining industry” as its impetus. By early 2008 OSHA had already issued more than 240 safety violation notices. OSHA is also slated to begin random chemical plant investigations to enhance enforcement efforts.

As you can see, refinery workers – whether they work at petroleum, chemical, sugar or other refineries – encounter hazardous working conditions each day. They handle dangerous chemicals and risk exposure to deadly substances, particularly in the face of fires or explosions. When explosions do occur, workers may be killed in the blast or as a result of falls, burns, chemical inhalation or steam exposure. Workers who are exposed to combustible dust are also at extreme risk. Organic, metal and chemical dusts can all lead to deadly explosions.

Refinery and other explosions can raise a host of complicated legal issues. Only an experienced refinery accident lawyer can evaluate the factors that may affect an injured worker’s ability to recover damages. Some of these factors include workers’ compensation law; insurance coverage; the parties responsible for the worker’s injuries; and compliance or non-compliance with occupational and worksite safety regulations.

The dedicated trial lawyers of Feldman Shepherd know that refinery explosions can result in severe and prolonged injury. In many cases, catastrophic accidents result in permanent disability or death. We are committed to helping injured workers and their loved ones throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey secure all of the compensation to which they may be entitled. This may include damages for pain and suffering, financial losses, emotional distress, medical expenses and in some cases, punitive damages for another party’s wrongdoing.

At Feldman Shepherd, we strive to obtain the best possible recovery as expeditiously as possible. We are here to serve you with hard work, attention to detail and a caring approach tailored to your individual needs. If we may be of assistance to you, please do not hesitate to contact us today.