Workplace explosions can have life-altering consequences, resulting in serious injuries, fatalities, and property damage. Such was the case in Louisville recently, when an explosion occurred at the Givaudan Sense Colour plant, leaving two workers dead and several others seriously injured.
While workplace plant explosions happen, they are not inevitable. Rather, many can be avoided through rigorous safety protocols, proper equipment maintenance, and diligent employee training. As such, employers have a legal and ethical obligation to prioritize workplace safety.
If you suffered injuries in a workplace explosion, you have rights. Call our workers’ compensation lawyers at Young, Reverman & Bolotin to discuss your options at 513-400-0000. We offer FREE initial consultations.
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Understanding Manufacturing Plant Explosions
Plant explosions are among the most devastating workplace accidents, often leading to severe injuries and long-term consequences for workers. Such accidents can stem from a variety of causes, many of which are preventable with appropriate protocols and maintenance.
Common Causes of Plant Explosions
Several factors can contribute to plant explosions. Some of the most common of these include:
Equipment Malfunctions
Faulty machinery or poorly maintained equipment is a leading cause of plant explosions. Issues, such as electrical systems that short circuit, machinery with worn-out components, or gas leaks from pressurized systems, may create dangerous conditions.
Improper Storage of Hazardous Materials
Many plants handle flammable substances, such as chemicals, gases, or fuels. When such materials are stored inappropriately or in inadequate containers, they may ignite or explode.
Chemical Reactions
In facilities that use or produce chemicals, improper mixing or handling can lead to uncontrolled reactions. Such reactions can generate heat, pressure, or toxic gases, resulting in explosions.
Human Error
Mistakes made by workers, whether due to fatigue, lack of training, or miscommunication, can trigger explosions. Errors such as leaving equipment running, mishandling hazardous materials, or failing to follow safety procedures can have catastrophic consequences.
At last report, the cause of the Louisville plant explosion remained under investigation. Employees report nothing seemed amiss prior to the blast that devastated the Givaudan Sense Colour plant.
Industries at Higher Risk for Explosions
Certain industries face a heightened risk of plant explosions due to the nature of their operations. For example, chemical plants and oil refineries handle volatile substances daily, making them especially vulnerable. Similarly, manufacturing facilities that process combustible materials or operate heavy machinery face hazards. In such sectors, even employee vigilance and stringent precautions cannot eliminate all the risks.
Givaudan Sense Colour makes naturally-sourced food coloring. The plant where the recent fatal accident occurred is one of the company’s 12 operations worldwide.
Injuries Resulting from Plant Explosions
The injuries caused by plant explosions can range from mild to life-threatening. Due to the explosion at the Givaudan Sense Colour plant, 12 employees were taken to UofL and Baptist Health hospitals. At last report, two workers were in critical condition with life-threatening injuries. Five additional employees were also still hospitalized. Their conditions were listed as stable.
Injuries resulting from workplace explosions often require extensive medical treatment, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care. Common injuries resulting from workplace plant explosions include:
- Burns
- Scarring
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
The physical injuries resulting from explosion accidents can impact workers’ ability to perform their job duties. As such, it may help for those injured in workplace explosions to consult with an experienced Kentucky injury lawyer.
Seeking Workers’ Compensation in Kentucky
Workers injured in plant explosions have the right to seek compensation under Kentucky’s workers’ compensation laws. This system provides benefits for medical expenses, lost wages, and, in some cases, vocational rehabilitation. However, understanding eligibility and navigating the claims process can be challenging. An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer may help those injured in workplace explosions to recover the benefits they need.
What Kentucky Workers Need to Know About Workers’ Comp
Under Kentucky workers’ compensation laws, injured workers may qualify for medical coverage, wage replacement, and vocational training. However, proving that the injury is work-related and substantiating claims with evidence can be difficult without proper documentation.
One of the biggest hurdles workers face is proving the cause of the explosion, and connecting it to their workplace conditions. Employers or insurance companies may dispute claims to avoid paying full benefits.
Even with the types of workers’ compensation benefits in Kentucky, long-term medical costs for surgeries, medications, rehabilitation, and assistive devices can accumulate over time. Such expenses often place additional stress on injured workers and their families.
Steps to Take After a Workplace Explosion Injury
Workers who’ve been injured in plant explosions should take immediate action to protect their health, and legal rights. Therefore, it’s important for them to know the answer to the question, “What should I do if I’m injured at work?”
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
First and foremost, it’s important for workers involved in plant explosions to seek medical attention. Taking this step not only aids in recovery, but also creates essential records for workers’ compensation claims.
Report the Incident to Your Employer
Reporting injury accidents that occur in the workplace is a crucial step. Injured workers should, provided they are able, give detailed reports of what transpired, following their employers’ reporting protocols. Delayed reports may complicate claims or result in denials of benefits. Therefore, injured employees should make sure their reports are detailed and include all relevant information.
Document Evidence for Your Claim
Documenting evidence related to the explosion may help strengthen the cases of injured workers seeking benefits. To this end, they may obtain photographs of the scene, injuries, and issues that may have contributed to the cause. They should also get witness statements, and records of safety violations. Such details are often critical when filing workers’ comp claims or pursuing legal action.Plant explosion injuries are life-altering events, and often require immediate attention and long-term planning. Kentucky workers injured in these accidents need fair compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. By understanding their rights and seeking guidance from our Florence workers’ comp lawyers at Young, Reverman & Bolotin, injured workers may navigate their claims and secure the support they need for recovery. Contact us today for a FREE initial consultation, 513-400-0000.
