Texas oil and gas workers face numerous hazards on the job. They often work with dangerous chemicals and heavy machinery. Both the chemicals used at oil and gas facilities and the petroleum resources themselves can potentially cause fires or even explosions.
While such incidents are rare, they are a constant safety risk for the workers in the oil and gas sector. Some explosions are so sudden and powerful that they claim lives. Many others leave workers with lasting injuries. The three issues below are among the most pressing medical concerns for workers exposed to an explosion at an oil and gas facility.
Severe burns
Explosions often produce thermal burns in individuals who are nearby. Burn injuries are among the most painful physical injuries possible and are also often difficult to properly treat. Workers with burn injuries are at elevated risk of infection and might develop nerve damage. They may also have disfiguring scars that require more extensive treatment after their initial trauma care.
Brain injuries
There are several ways in which explosions can cause brain injuries. The first is through percussive force. The power of the blast itself can cause bleeding and inflammation inside the skull. Explosions can also send shrapnel flying. Metal, glass and other debris can cause penetrating injuries to the head that result in brain injuries. Finally, the force of an explosion could knock someone over or trigger a fall from a significant elevation. The blunt force trauma that occurs could cause a serious brain injury.
Broken bones and lacerations
Even those who are far enough away from an explosion to avoid burns and brain injuries could end up injured by the debris or the force of the blast. Some people might break bones if they experience a same-level fall. Others could get hurt either because of flying debris at the time of the explosion that causes cuts and injuries on their bodies or when responding to the explosion to prevent secondary blasts or to assist injured coworkers. Lacerations and broken bones can cause pain and infections, as well as functional limitations that can affect someone’s career.
Oil and gas workers injured in explosions may also develop psychological trauma that may affect their job performance. These and any other injuries directly connected to workplace safety issues could potentially lead to a personal injury damages award. Learning about professional job hazards can help people handle their injuries and recognize when they may need to seek legal guidance in order to pursue rightful compensation.