Pennsylvania residents who work in chemical manufacturing plants are exposed to multiple threats that can result in significant injuries or death. To find ways of limiting the risk of accidents, it is necessary for employees and employers to be aware of the different types of injuries that take place in chemical plants and what causes them.
Chemical manufacturing plants are especially dangerous to employees because of the flammable and toxic nature of the products. Employees may be injured from chemical burns, exposure or inhalation. They may also overexert themselves, receive scrapes and cuts or trip and fall. Even with the necessary precautions in place to lower the risk of accidents, they can still occur. Being aware of why and the manner in which accidents occur can aid in preventing them from occurring again.
Human behavior, improper training and using faulty safety equipment are the three main reasons for chemical plant accidents. Workers can make errors and become complacent enough to cut corners and not comply with safety procedures. Worker error may be a byproduct of inadequate training, which should include the proper operation of safety equipment and correct loading and unloading procedures. If the safety equipment the employees use is not regularly maintained, it can malfunction and result in workplace accidents.
Employers have a legal obligation to ensure that their employees have safe working spaces. If an unsafe working condition results in an injury, the worker may be entitled to workers’ compensation. An attorney who practices workers’ compensation law may advise clients of the proper steps to take to appeal benefit claims that have been denied or settlement offers that are insufficient.
