Diesel plants, especially those producing renewable diesel, are vital to energy production. Unfortunately, they are also highly hazardous environments. Workers face numerous risks, including exposure to toxic chemicals, fires, and explosions. One of the most severe risks in these plants is burn injuries, which can lead to long-term health complications, disability, and financial distress. When workers suffer such injuries, understanding their legal rights is crucial.
Two workers at Chevron’s Geismar, Louisiana diesel plant are facing these challenges after a recent hydrogen explosion. Below, the petrochemical injury attorneys at Kherkher Garcia provide an overview of the recent incident, which is highlighting the hazards of working in diesel plants. We will also explore the unique hazards to diesel plant workers, the nature of burn injuries, and when injured workers should seek legal representation.
Chevron Hydrogen Explosion Details
Two workers suffered burns and were airlifted to a hospital after a hydrogen gas explosion at Chevron Renewable Energy Group’s renewable diesel plant in Geismar, Louisiana. The incident occurred at approximately 8:30 a.m. on September 19, and the resulting fire was extinguished just over an hour later.
In a statement, Chevron confirmed the incident: “Chevron Renewable Energy Group experienced a fire at our Geismar, LA, renewable diesel production facility. All employees have been accounted for, with two receiving treatment for burns. The fire has been contained with local assistance, and we are working to safely shut down the facility. We are extremely grateful to the local responders for their immediate response and will be conducting a thorough investigation to determine the cause.”
Local news outlets reported that a “big explosion” occurred at the plant, with some indicating that a hydrogen explosion may have triggered the fire, though officials have not yet confirmed this.
Baton Rouge General Hospital provided updates on the workers’ conditions. One employee is in serious condition with burns covering 15% of their body, while the other sustained only 2% burns and is expected to be discharged soon.
Hydrogen plays a critical role in the production of renewable diesel, particularly in the hydrotreating process, which stabilizes fuel by removing oxygen from feedstocks and aligning its chemical structure with that of petroleum-based diesel. This process is essential for producing a stable and efficient renewable fuel.
The cause of the explosion remains under investigation, as Chevron and local authorities work to understand the events that led to this serious accident.
Common Hazards in Diesel Plants
Diesel plants are industrial facilities where large volumes of fuel are processed, refined, and produced. The high temperatures, pressures, and chemical reactions involved in the refining process make these facilities inherently dangerous. Some common hazards faced by workers in diesel plants include:
Flammable and Explosive Chemicals
Diesel plants handle large quantities of flammable and explosive materials. One key example is hydrogen, a gas essential in the hydrotreating process for renewable diesel production. Hydrogen is used to remove oxygen from feedstocks and stabilize fuel molecules. However, hydrogen is highly flammable, and its accidental release can lead to devastating explosions. In the event of an explosion or fire, workers in the immediate vicinity can suffer severe burns or worse.
High-Temperature Machinery
Much of the equipment used in diesel production operates at extremely high temperatures. Workers who maintain or operate boilers, reactors, and other high-temperature machinery are at constant risk of burns. If proper safety precautions are not followed or equipment malfunctions, workers can be exposed to dangerously high temperatures that cause thermal burns.
Toxic Chemical Exposure
Workers in diesel plants are regularly exposed to chemicals that can cause skin burns upon contact or respiratory burns if inhaled. Chemicals like sulfuric acid, used in refining processes, can cause serious injury if protective measures fail. Skin contact with such chemicals can lead to severe chemical burns, disfigurement, and long-term health problems.
Fires and Explosions
Fires and explosions are among the most significant dangers in diesel plants. These incidents can occur due to improper handling of volatile substances, faulty equipment, or human error. Once a fire or explosion breaks out, workers can suffer from direct burn injuries, inhalation injuries from smoke and chemicals, and secondary injuries from flying debris or collapsing structures.
Understanding the Risk of Burn Injuries
Burn injuries are among the most painful and severe types of injuries a worker can experience. Burns can affect not only the skin but also underlying tissues, muscles, and even bones. The severity of a burn is typically classified into three categories:
First-Degree Burns
First-degree burns are the least severe, affecting only the outer layer of the skin. These burns can cause redness, swelling, and pain, but they usually heal within a few days to a week without permanent scarring. While these burns can occur in diesel plants, they are less likely to be the result of major industrial accidents.
Second-Degree Burns
Second-degree burns affect both the outer layer of the skin (epidermis) and the underlying layer (dermis). These burns are characterized by blistering, severe pain, and swelling. Workers who come into contact with hot surfaces, steam, or chemicals may experience second-degree burns, which can require medical treatment and may lead to permanent scarring.
Third-Degree Burns
Third-degree burns are the most severe, affecting all layers of the skin and potentially damaging underlying muscles and tissues. These burns often result from prolonged exposure to flames, chemicals, or extremely hot materials. Third-degree burns can cause nerve damage, which may result in a lack of pain in the affected area. Recovery from third-degree burns often requires extensive medical intervention, including skin grafts, and can lead to lifelong disability and disfigurement.
In addition to the physical damage caused by burns, workers may suffer from emotional and psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially if the accident was particularly catastrophic.
When Should Injured Workers Contact an Attorney?
For workers injured in a diesel plant, the aftermath of a burn injury can be overwhelming. Along with the physical pain, victims may face costly medical bills, lost wages, and the emotional toll of recovery. Understanding when to contact an attorney can make a significant difference in the outcome of their situation.
Workers’ Compensation Claims
In most states, workers who suffer burn injuries on the job are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits typically cover medical expenses, a portion of lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. However, workers’ compensation may not always provide sufficient coverage, especially for severe burn injuries that result in long-term or permanent disability.
If a workers’ compensation claim is denied or if the benefits are inadequate to cover the full extent of the injury, an attorney can help the injured worker appeal the decision and seek the compensation they deserve.
Negligence or Unsafe Working Conditions
While workers’ compensation laws generally prevent employees from suing their employers for workplace injuries, there are exceptions. If the burn injury was caused by an employer’s negligence or a failure to maintain safe working conditions, the injured worker may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit. For example, if the employer failed to provide proper safety equipment, ignored safety protocols, or did not adequately train workers, they could be held liable for the injury.
An experienced attorney can assess whether a personal injury lawsuit is possible and help gather evidence to prove negligence or unsafe working conditions.
Third-Party Liability
In some cases, a worker’s burn injury may be caused by the negligence of a third party, such as a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or supplier. For example, if a piece of machinery malfunctions due to a defect and causes a burn injury, the injured worker may have grounds to file a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
An attorney can investigate the circumstances of the injury, identify responsible third parties, and pursue legal action on behalf of the injured worker to recover damages.
Long-Term or Permanent Disability
Severe burn injuries, especially third-degree burns, can lead to long-term or permanent disability. Workers who are unable to return to their previous job due to the extent of their injuries may be entitled to additional compensation, such as long-term disability benefits or a settlement that accounts for their future loss of earning capacity.
A skilled attorney can help injured workers navigate the complex process of securing long-term benefits and ensure that their future needs are taken into account when negotiating a settlement or filing a lawsuit.
Get Help With Hydrogen Explosion Injuries
If you or a loved one has been injured in a hydrogen explosion, the aftermath can be overwhelming. Severe burn injuries, costly medical bills, and lost wages can take a serious toll on your life. At Kherkher Garcia, our experienced petrochemical injury attorneys understand the complexities of explosion cases and are committed to helping victims recover the compensation they deserve.
Hydrogen explosions can cause catastrophic injuries, and navigating legal claims while recovering is challenging. Our team will investigate the incident, determine liability, and fight for your rights. Whether it is a workplace accident or a third-party negligence case, we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Don’t face this difficult time alone. Contact Kherkher Garcia today for a free consultation. Let us help you secure the justice and compensation you need to move forward. Call now at 713-333-1030, or complete our website form to learn more.
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