Manufacturing plants have a lot of hazards that can endanger workers.
At Least One Injured in Fire Caused by Potential Explosion
According to a KSAT News report, a worker was injured after a possible explosion caused a manufacturing plant fire in North Texas.
A spokesperson from the Sherwin-Williams company detailed that the accident occurred around 1:15 a.m. on August 7, 2023, when a likely explosion accident sent fireballs that passers-by could see in the night sky. The injured employee was treated on the scene and transported to the hospital, where they have since been released. Firefighters extinguished the flames before 5:30 a.m. and remained till mid-morning to monitor the air quality and hot spots. The manufacturing plant primarily produced industrial coatings and resins.
Did You Know?
The manufacturing industry is among the most dangerous in Texas, with 29 employee deaths in 2020 alone.
Manufacturing and the Texas Workforce
Texas relies on the difficult (and incredibly dangerous) work of those employed in the manufacturing industry. The manufacturing industry employs roughly 881,000 people in Texas alone and is expected to expand significantly as demand for products continues to rise across the country.
Unfortunately, employers often care more about the bottom line than they do about the safety of their employees. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the manufacturing industry accounted for 15% of all workforce fatalities in 2019.
While chemical plant explosions often make big news, those are not the only ways that employees can be seriously injured or killed in chemical or other manufacturing plants. Because of this, it’s important that those employed in manufacturing in Texas understand the legal recourse available to them after a workplace accident.
Types of Injuries in Manufacturing Plants
There are many ways you can be injured in a manufacturing plant, including:
- Falling Objects
- Toxic Gas Leaks
- Defective Equipment
- Burns and Smoke Inhalation
- Slip and Fall Accidents
- Lack of or Inadequate PPE (Personal Protection Equipment)
Unfortunately, many of these accidents are preventable and result from the negligence of the company, supervisor, or manager. A report released by Tradesafe found that poor maintenance of equipment, non-compliance with risk management procedures, undertrained employees, and poor workplace design are the top contributing factors in manufacturing industry accidents.
Where Does Compensation Come From After an Industrial Accident in Texas?
Texas employees have two options when it comes to getting compensation after an accident:
- Worker’s Comp Insurance – Employers in Texas are only required to carry worker’s comp coverage if they are under a government contract, but most do carry it anyway. Once a worker’s comp claim has been filed, you are no longer allowed to pursue a personal injury settlement for your injuries, so speak to an experienced worker’s comp attorney in Texas before filing.
- Personal Injury Claims – Sometimes, your employer may not carry worker’s comp insurance, or there are multiple parties from which you can collect damages. For example, if you were working with defective equipment, the company that sold or manufactured that equipment may be at fault for your injuries. An experienced personal injury attorney in Texas can help you determine if multiple parties are at fault for your accident and if a personal injury claim is right for your case.
Hire Carabin Shaw
If you have been injured at a manufacturing plant as an employee in Texas, contact our worker’s compensation attorneys at Carabin Shaw. We can help you file your claim to ensure you get the most return or help you file a personal injury claim if your situation warrants that. Contact us anytime via live chat or at 800-862-1260 to get started. We look forward to working with you.