Working near asphalt tanks presents numerous risks for workers, particularly in construction, road paving, and maintenance industries. Asphalt, a petroleum-based material used primarily in road construction and roofing, is stored in large, heated tanks to maintain its liquid form. While asphalt is essential to modern infrastructure, its handling and storage are fraught with hazards. From extreme temperatures to chemical exposure, the risks involved in working around asphalt tanks can lead to serious accidents and life-threatening injuries.
In the guide below, the workplace injury attorneys at Kherkher Garcia explore these hazards, common incidents, injuries, and when injured workers should contact an attorney for help.
Hazards of Asphalt Tanks
Asphalt tanks are inherently dangerous due to the extreme heat required to keep asphalt in a workable state, as well as the toxic fumes that can be released during storage and handling. Understanding these hazards is crucial for both employers and workers.
Extreme Heat
Asphalt is heated to temperatures ranging from 250°F to 350°F to remain in a liquid state for applications like road paving. Asphalt tanks must maintain these high temperatures, posing significant burn risks to workers. A momentary lapse in safety measures, such as accidental contact with hot surfaces, equipment failure, or spills, can lead to severe burn injuries.
Toxic Fumes
When heated, asphalt releases hazardous fumes containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), sulfur compounds, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Inhalation of these fumes can lead to respiratory problems, headaches, dizziness, and in extreme cases, long-term exposure has been linked to cancer. Workers who frequently operate near asphalt tanks may be exposed to these harmful chemicals without adequate protection.
Fire and Explosion Risks
Asphalt is a flammable substance, and if the temperature within the tank is not adequately controlled or if vapors escape, there is a significant risk of fire or explosion. Welding near asphalt tanks, faulty equipment, or improperly stored materials can ignite fires. Once ignited, these fires can spread quickly, putting everyone in the vicinity in danger.
Tank Failures
Asphalt tanks are large, pressurized vessels that must be regularly maintained to ensure their structural integrity. When tanks are not properly inspected, corrosion, cracks, or malfunctioning heating systems can result in tank failures. A ruptured tank can release massive amounts of hot asphalt, leading to catastrophic injuries for nearby workers. Tank over-pressurization, caused by faulty pressure relief valves or thermal expansion, can also cause explosions.
Slip and Fall Accidents
Spilled asphalt or oil around tanks can create slick surfaces, increasing the likelihood of slip and fall incidents. Workers rushing to complete tasks or working in poorly lit areas are especially vulnerable. Falls near an active asphalt tank or during maintenance work on top of tanks can result in broken bones, head trauma, and other serious injuries.
Confined Space Hazards
Many asphalt tanks require workers to enter confined spaces for cleaning or maintenance. These confined spaces pose additional risks such as oxygen deprivation, exposure to toxic fumes, and limited escape routes in the event of an emergency. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specific regulations for confined space entry, but these are sometimes overlooked or improperly implemented.
Common Incidents and Injuries Near Asphalt Tanks
Accidents involving asphalt tanks can vary in severity, but they frequently result in significant harm to workers. Below are some of the most common incidents and related injuries.
Burn Injuries
One of the most prevalent risks of working near asphalt tanks is burns, which can occur when workers come into contact with hot asphalt or heated surfaces. Burns from asphalt can range from first-degree (superficial) to third-degree (full thickness), where the skin and tissues are deeply damaged. Severe burns often require surgery, skin grafts, and long-term rehabilitation.
In addition to contact burns, thermal burns from fires and explosions related to asphalt tanks can cause widespread damage to workers. Hot asphalt spills during transfer or tank ruptures are also common causes of burn injuries.
Respiratory Issues
Prolonged exposure to asphalt fumes can result in respiratory issues. Workers may experience chronic coughing, shortness of breath, or even develop occupational asthma due to inhaling harmful fumes. In cases of extreme exposure, workers may be at risk for long-term diseases like lung cancer or other pulmonary conditions.
Acute exposure to fumes can cause workers to experience headaches, dizziness, and nausea. In confined spaces or poorly ventilated areas, toxic fume exposure can lead to asphyxiation, resulting in death if workers do not receive immediate medical attention.
Slip and Fall Injuries
Slips, trips, and falls near asphalt tanks often occur due to spilled material, uneven ground, or unmarked hazards. A worker slipping near a tank may not only suffer from the fall itself but also risk falling into or near a hot tank, exacerbating the injury. Slip and fall injuries near asphalt tanks can range from minor sprains and cuts to severe fractures, head injuries, and even death if the fall is from a height or into hazardous areas.
Explosion-Related Injuries
Explosions in or near asphalt tanks can have devastating consequences. Workers can suffer from burns, blunt force trauma, or be struck by debris propelled by the blast. In the worst-case scenario, workers may not survive the explosion or may experience life-threatening injuries such as internal bleeding, traumatic brain injuries, or amputations.
Confined Space Injuries
Workers entering asphalt tanks for cleaning or maintenance often face dangers like oxygen deprivation or fume inhalation. Without proper ventilation or breathing apparatuses, workers can quickly lose consciousness and suffer from hypoxia or asphyxiation. In some cases, workers may be exposed to hazardous chemicals or materials while inside confined spaces, leading to chemical burns or respiratory damage.
When to Contact an Attorney
Workers injured in accidents involving asphalt tanks often face long recovery times, medical bills, and lost wages. Many accidents are preventable and may be the result of employer negligence, unsafe working conditions, or failure to follow OSHA regulations. If you or a loved one has been injured while working near an asphalt tank, it is critical to know when to contact an attorney to protect your legal rights.
Employer Negligence
Employers are required by law to provide a safe working environment for their employees, which includes maintaining asphalt tanks, ensuring proper safety protocols are followed, and providing personal protective equipment (PPE). When an employer fails to meet these obligations and a worker is injured as a result, the worker may have grounds for a personal injury or workers’ compensation claim. An attorney can help investigate whether negligence played a role in your accident and hold the responsible parties accountable.
OSHA Violations
OSHA has strict guidelines governing the handling of asphalt, storage tanks, and confined space entry. Employers who fail to comply with these regulations may be liable for any accidents or injuries that occur. If your employer violated OSHA standards, resulting in your injury, an attorney can help you file a complaint and seek compensation for your losses.
Third-Party Liability
In some cases, third parties such as equipment manufacturers, contractors, or suppliers may be responsible for accidents involving asphalt tanks. If defective equipment, faulty design, or improper installation contributed to your injury, you may be entitled to compensation through a third-party liability claim. An experienced attorney can help identify all liable parties and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Severe or Permanent Injuries
If your injury is severe, such as third-degree burns, respiratory damage, or permanent disability, it is crucial to work with an attorney to ensure you receive fair compensation. Medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and long-term care expenses can be overwhelming. An attorney can help you pursue compensation for not only your medical costs but also pain and suffering, lost wages, and diminished quality of life.
Workers’ Compensation Denials
If your workers’ compensation claim has been denied or if you are not receiving adequate benefits, an attorney can assist you in appealing the decision. Workers’ compensation is supposed to cover medical expenses and a portion of lost wages, but insurance companies often deny claims or offer insufficient benefits. A lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to secure the benefits you are entitled to.
Contact a Workplace Injury Attorney
Working near asphalt tanks is a dangerous job that carries risks of burns, respiratory issues, explosions, and other serious injuries. If you have been injured in an accident involving an asphalt tank, it is essential to contact an attorney as soon as possible. The attorneys at Kherkher Garcia have the experience and knowledge to help you pursue compensation for your injuries and hold negligent parties accountable.
Contact our team of workplace injury attorneys today for a free consultation and to learn more about how we can assist you in protecting your rights. Call 713-333-1030 or complete our online contact form to get started.
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