Turnaround injuries occur during planned maintenance and shutdown periods at refineries and chemical plants. These injuries can be serious because turnarounds involve high-risk work in confined spaces, elevated temperatures, and hazardous chemicals. Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP represents workers injured during turnarounds and helps them pursue compensation.
What Is a Turnaround and Why Injuries Occur
A turnaround is a planned shutdown of a refinery or chemical plant for maintenance, inspection, and repairs. During turnarounds, workers perform high-risk tasks including confined space entry, hot work, equipment removal, and chemical cleaning.
Turnaround injuries can result from inadequate safety procedures, insufficient training, failure to follow lockout/tagout procedures, inadequate ventilation, or failure to identify and control hazards. When employers fail to implement proper safety measures, workers can suffer serious injuries.
Common Types of Turnaround Injuries
Confined Space Injuries
Confined space entry is a common turnaround task that carries significant risk. Workers may suffer oxygen deficiency, toxic gas exposure, or engulfment injuries if proper procedures are not followed. Chemical exposure in confined spaces can cause respiratory damage or death.
Burn Injuries from Hot Work
Hot work such as welding, cutting, and grinding is common during turnarounds. Workers may suffer burn injuries if proper fire prevention measures are not in place or if workers lack adequate protective equipment.
Pressure Release and Explosion Injuries
Equipment under pressure may release suddenly if not properly depressurized and isolated. Workers may suffer explosion injuries, burn injuries, or other serious harm.
Struck-By and Caught-Between Injuries
Heavy equipment removal and installation during turnarounds can cause struck-by or caught-between injuries if proper safety procedures are not followed. These injuries can result in amputation or death.
Why Choose Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP for Turnaround Injury Cases
Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP represents workers injured during turnarounds and understands the unique hazards of turnaround work. The firm says it has experience with workplace injury cases involving confined space entry, hot work, and equipment hazards.
Legal Options for Turnaround Injuries
Potential claims may include workers’ compensation benefits and third-party claims against contractors, equipment manufacturers, or other responsible parties. If a contractor or equipment manufacturer contributed to the injury, additional compensation may be available.
Steps to Take After a Turnaround Injury
If you are injured during a turnaround, these steps can help protect your health and legal rights:
- Seek immediate medical attention
- Report the accident to your employer
- Document the scene and injuries with photos or video
- Preserve evidence and equipment
- Gather witness statements
- Contact Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP for legal guidance
Frequently Asked Questions About Turnaround Injuries
What is a turnaround?
A turnaround is a planned shutdown of a refinery or chemical plant for maintenance, inspection, and repairs. Turnarounds can last weeks or months and involve hundreds of workers performing high-risk tasks.
Can I sue my employer for a turnaround injury?
In most cases, workers’ compensation is the exclusive remedy against an employer. However, a third-party claim may be available against contractors, equipment manufacturers, or other companies whose negligence contributed to the injury.
What damages can I recover from a turnaround injury?
Potential damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, permanent disability, and, in fatal cases, wrongful death damages such as loss of companionship and funeral expenses.
How long do I have to file a turnaround injury claim?
Workers’ compensation claims must be reported promptly, often within 30 days. Third-party claims are generally subject to a statute of limitations, which varies by jurisdiction. It is important to act quickly to preserve your rights.
Contact Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP for a Free Consultation
If you were injured during a turnaround at a refinery or chemical plant, Williams Hart & Boundas, LLP says it can help. Call (713) 230-2200 for a free consultation and to discuss your legal options.
Related Posts
- What Causes Plant and Refinery Explosions in Houston
- Common Injuries from Toxic Chemical Exposure and Legal Options
- What to Do After a Severe Burn Injury at Work
- Catastrophic Injury Guide for Industrial Workers