On November 21, 2024, a small explosion rocked the Texas International Terminals facility in Galveston, Texas, injuring five workers who were performing maintenance on equipment. Thankfully, the fire was quickly extinguished, and there were no leaks or further dangers identified. However, three of the workers suffered burns, and the other two sustained non-burn-related injuries.
While this incident thankfully didn’t end in tragedy, it highlights the critical importance of workplace safety, especially for those working in high-risk environments like industrial terminals and plants. Workers in these settings face unique dangers every day—from hazardous materials and malfunctioning equipment to the potential for serious explosions and fires.
In this post, we’ll explore the risks that plant and terminal workers face, the safety protocols employers should follow, and why having an attorney on your side is essential to protecting your rights if you are injured on the job.
The Dangers of Working in Industrial Facilities and Terminals
Plant and terminal workers perform some of the most physically demanding and potentially dangerous jobs. They often work with heavy machinery, hazardous chemicals, and volatile materials, where even the smallest mistake or oversight can result in serious injury. In the case of the recent explosion at Texas International Terminals, workers were performing maintenance on equipment—an activity that is common in these types of facilities but still presents significant risks.
Here are a few reasons why plant and terminal work can be hazardous:
- Exposure to Hazardous Materials: Workers at industrial terminals and plants often handle chemicals, gases, and other hazardous substances. Even a small mistake, like a spill or failure to follow proper safety procedures, can lead to severe injuries or explosions.
- Heavy Machinery and Equipment: Maintenance work and operations at terminals require constant interaction with large, complex machinery. Equipment failures or improper handling can lead to serious accidents, like crush injuries or explosions.
- Lack of Safety Protocols: Sometimes, employers may fail to implement or enforce necessary safety measures. These lapses can include inadequate training, failure to provide personal protective equipment (PPE), or a lack of regular equipment inspections—all of which increase the risk of accidents.
The explosion in Galveston serves as a reminder that while safety protocols are in place, even the most carefully laid plans can go wrong. That’s why it’s so important to understand the rights and protections available to workers if something does happen on the job.
Workplace Safety and Your Rights as an Employee
In workplaces like industrial plants and terminals, employers are required to follow strict safety regulations set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). These regulations are designed to protect workers from accidents, but when employers fail to comply or cut corners, workers can be put at significant risk.
Some essential safety measures include:
- Training and Certification: Employees should be trained on the safe operation of machinery and how to handle hazardous materials. They must also be equipped with knowledge about emergency procedures in case of an accident.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Workers should be provided with PPE, including gloves, helmets, goggles, and fire-resistant clothing, depending on the nature of the work.
- Regular Equipment Inspections: Faulty machinery can be a major cause of workplace accidents. Employers must ensure that all equipment is regularly inspected and properly maintained.
- Emergency Protocols: Having clear emergency procedures and evacuation plans is vital, especially in facilities that handle dangerous materials or are at risk of explosions and fires.
If your employer fails to implement these protocols or if an accident occurs due to negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical bills, and lost wages.
Why You Need an Attorney After a Workplace Accident
Even when the best safety measures are in place, accidents can still happen—like the explosion in Galveston. When they do, it’s crucial to have a lawyer who can help protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Here’s how an attorney can assist after a workplace injury:
- Investigating the Incident: A workplace accident may involve multiple factors, such as faulty equipment, negligence, or a lack of safety compliance. An attorney will investigate the cause of the accident, gather evidence, and determine whether there was any employer misconduct that contributed to the injury.
- Navigating Workers’ Compensation Claims: In many workplace injury cases, workers are entitled to compensation through their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. However, insurance companies often aim to settle quickly, sometimes offering much less than what you truly deserve. An experienced lawyer can ensure that your workers’ compensation claim is handled fairly, and may even identify opportunities for additional claims if negligence was involved.
- Securing Fair Compensation: If your injury was caused by your employer’s negligence or by a third party (such as a contractor or equipment manufacturer), you may be entitled to more than just workers’ compensation. A lawyer can help you pursue additional damages for pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care needs.
- Long-Term Support: Injuries sustained in a workplace accident can be debilitating, leaving you unable to work and facing long-term medical treatments. An attorney will ensure that your compensation account for the long-term impacts of your injury—whether that’s through future medical care or adjustments to your ability to earn a living.
Get the Legal Help You Deserve
If you’ve been injured in a workplace accident like the one at Texas International Terminals, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Attorney Matthew Dillahunty understand the challenges workers face in high-risk environments, and is here to help you navigate the legal process to secure the compensation you deserve.
Whether you’re dealing with the complexities of workers’ compensation or pursuing a personal injury claim, having the right attorney by your side is crucial. We can help investigate your case, handle negotiations with insurance companies, and ensure that your rights are protected throughout the process.
If you or someone you care about has been hurt on the job, don’t navigate this difficult time alone. Reach out to us for a free consultation, and let us help you understand your options and get the support you need. Call (832) 450-2290 today.
