Virtually any kind of workplace accident can result in serious or catastrophic injuries. However, fire and explosion accidents are two of the most severe because they can cause deadly injuries. Workers who are lucky enough to survive such accidents often face life-altering physical, emotional, and financial consequences.
What Causes Fire and Explosion Accidents?
Employers have a legal responsibility to ensure the safety of their workers in the workplace by following the proper safety protocols. Fire and explosion accidents sometimes occur because employers and other parties fail to uphold their responsibility. Other times, however, they occur because of unforeseeable circumstances. Either way, fire and explosion accidents in the workplace typically result from the following:
Hot Work
These include soldering, welding, and torch cutting. The sparks produced during these activities can initiate an explosion since the sparks can easily ignite the combustible dust floating around or resting on surfaces in the work site.
Combustible Dust
This can be found in various worksites and includes wood, metal, carbon, plastic, organic, and coal dust. Combustible dust is common across all industries, such as construction, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and woodworking, among others.
Flammable Gasses and Liquids
These include paints, oils, and cleaning solvents and can be found in all workplaces. When flammable gasses and liquids are not properly stored based on OSHA requirements, they can cause explosion and fire accidents.
Electrical Hazards
An electrical fire can occur when electrical wiring isn’t up to code or dangerously exposed or electrical outlets are overloaded. It can also ignite flammable liquids and gasses and combustible dust, which can lead to an explosion and devastating consequences.
Defective or Improperly Maintained Machinery and Equipment
Furnaces and equipment used for soldering, welding, and torch cutting are the most common causes of explosions or fires. However, explosion and fire accidents can also happen when the moving parts of machinery are inadequately lubricated or excessively greased.
What Injuries Do Workers Sustain From Fire and Explosion Accidents?
Fire and explosion accidents are immensely hazardous, particularly when they lead to secondary fires, explosions, or structural damage. Additionally, workers who were away from the primary accident can still suffer injuries from collapsing buildings or flying debris. At Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa, our West Palm Beach workers’ compensation attorney is prepared to fight to secure fair compensation for workers who suffered injuries from fire and explosion accidents, such as:
- Severe lacerations and bruises
- Burns
- Fractures
- Eye injuries
- Lung injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord damage
- Lost limbs
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
Seek Legal Guidance From an Experienced West Palm Beach Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Fire and explosion accidents pose life-threatening risks to workers in all industries. If you’ve suffered injuries due to an explosion or fire accident in the workplace, your losses must be covered by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance coverage. In addition, depending on the specific circumstances of the accident, you may be legally entitled to pursue damages through a third-party claim.
Schedule your free case review with the West Palm Beach workers’ compensation attorney at Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa by calling 561-478-2500 or sending us an online message.