Workers from varying dangerous industries such as construction workers, to plant workers, to refinery workers face the danger of fire and explosion accidents and injuries on a daily basis. In 2018 alone out of 5,250 fatal injuries in the United States 115 of these were from fire fires and explosions. Injuries from explosions tend to be some of the most severe injuries workers can suffer from, and can be devastating both physically and financially. That it is why it is imperative for people working in industries at high risk for explosions to understand both the common explosions that could happen on job sites as well the proper precautions employers and workers should be taking to prevent these types of accidents. 

  1. Static Electricity – In a recent paper about industrial explosions that occured due to static electricity in their studies of 153 specific cases most of the incidents occurred during operations by workers.  For explosions to happen from static electricity all that needs to be introduced is a combustible element. Because of this combustible dust creates a huge risk for workers. Make sure your employer is taking proper precautions to remove combustible elements from your workplace. 
  2. Hazardous Chemicals – There are many industries in which flammable liquids and gasses are commonplace. The most common cause of chemical explosions is when rapid oxidation occurs that produces a large amount of hot gases. An example of the risks that flammable liquid can pose is that a gallon of gasoline can explode with the same force of 20 sticks of dynamite. There are many OHSA safety standards that involve flammable liquid in the workplace, it is always important to make sure your employer is following these standards to avoid explosions. 
  3. Combustion Engines – Many precautions should be taken by an employer to stop explosions from combustible engines, but many times this can also be out of an employers hands. Combustion leads to explosions and the very nature of engines is to produce combustion. Engines can be defective products from the manufacturer and these defects can easily lead to explosion accidents. Makers of products can cause defects through design, manufacturing, or labeling issues. Workers and employers alike should always stay up to date on current recalls of the machines they use in the workplace to mitigate risk for explosions. 
  4. Mechanical Sparks or Sparks From Faulty Electric Wiring – Mechanical sparks or sparks from wiring cause explosions in much the same way that static electricity does. Only in the case of mechanical sparks the initial fire that leads to combustion is caused by the grinding of metal on metal. Again if there is a combustible element (like combustible dust) around when the spark happens an explosion can in turn happen. It is always important to check that when you use any machines that create sparks that there is nothing that could possibly combust around you. Flammable dust and gas clouds can easily be ignited by mechanical sparks and these conditions are what most commonly lead to industrial explosions.

What To Do If You Are Involved In An Explosion Accident?

If you or a loved one ever unfortunately does fall victim to an explosion accident it is important to consult an attorney about your legal options. Injuries caused by explosions can be catastrophic and can leave you in dire financial situations. Luckily there are legal avenues that can be taken to get compensation for your injuries. Many times explosions can occur due to an employer’s negligence even if you assume that all proper precautions were taken, there are things that can be initially overlooked. Also if you did not receive proper training and an explosion occurs you can pursue damages as well.