Working at a chemical plant can be a very dangerous profession. Proper training on adhering to serious safety precautions is vital. Hopefully, the employer takes safety very seriously. However, this isn’t always the case. As a chemical plant employee, knowing how to protect yourself is crucial.
There are many reasons why chemical plant accidents occur. Human error is a large cause of many accidents, as well as equipment malfunction. Some other causes are improper employee training and lack of adequate equipment maintenance. Whatever the case may be, when a person is dealing with toxic chemicals, the result of an accident can be serious.
Some types of injuries that can occur due to a chemical plant accident are third-degree burns, respiratory illnesses, cancer, birth defects, asthma and even death. The Bureau of Labor Statistics is an excellent resource that shows a more in-depth breakdown of chemical plant accidents.
Unfortunately, the reality is that no matter how well you protect yourself, on-the-job injuries can still happen. But by taking certain precautions, you can lesson your chances of an accident and the severity of it. Below are suggestions of how to do just that…
- Hazardous Material Safety – Knowing how to properly use and store hazardous materials is a must. Dangerous chemicals must be stored and handled a certain way. If you feel you haven’t been trained correctly or have any hesitation, you should alert your employer.
- Eye Safety – Protect your eyes from fumes and chemicals at all times. Many people have suffered from permanent eye damage from exposure to a toxic chemical.
- Proper Equipment Safety – Before operating any piece of equipment, make certain you completely understand how it works. Especially if you’re transporting chemicals, you must be comfortable and know what you are doing. Again, let your employer know if you are unsure of what to do.
OSHA has a new chemical safety plan you can view to get more information on how to stay safe in hazardous environments.
If you have been injured or diagnosed with a medical condition resulting from improper exposure to chemicals, or any type of on the job injury where you believe you are not receiving proper compensation, consider calling a Colorado workers’ compensation lawyer like Mack Babcock to discuss your case.
Remember, safety is priority in any job!
