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An explosion is just as scary as it sounds. Unfortunately, they are a common risk on construction sites and can lead to devastating damage and injuries for multiple construction workers at a time. Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA) data highlights the fact that there an average of 36 fire and explosion deaths each year in the construction industry. This is not including those injures who may have sustained severe, but not fatal, injuries as a result of these incidences.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction site explosion, you need to focus on your health and getting your life back to some semblance of normal. Attorney Michael LoGiudice is here to take on the legal work to help ensure you are properly compensated for your losses.
What are the Common Causes of Construction Site Explosions?
With the presence of flammable chemicals, electrical equipment and wiring, and pressurized containers, construction sites present many hazards that can result in catastrophic explosions. Some of the most common causes of construction site explosions include:
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Chemical explosions: Often the result of fuels, chemicals, and fuel or chemical tanks or drums, chemical explosions are a real risk on construction sites. This type of explosion can also result from welding, drilling, electrical sparks and heavy equipment coming into contact with underground pipelines.
Pressurized container explosions: Usually involving vehicle tires, pipelines, or water tanks, pressurized container explosions are often the result of over pressurization or cutting or drilling on the construction site.
Arc flashes and blasts: These types of explosions involve electrical equipment ranging from circuit breakers and transformers to other various electrical wiring and parts. Explosions occur when electrical equipment malfunctions or there is contact with power lines or other energized wires.
What are Common Injuries Associated with a Construction Site Explosion?
While fatalities are an all too common result of a construction site explosion, many other workers may incur extremely serious, although not fatal, injuries as well. These injuries may include:
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Severe burns
Traumatic brain injury
Vision loss
Hearing loss
Bone fractures
Appendage amputation
Abdominal hemorrhage and perforation
How Can the Risk of a Construction Site Explosion Be Reduced?
Because of the risk of explosion and the serious threat an explosion poses to construction site workers, OSHA requires workplace protection and prevention programs. Employers should be diligent in upholding OSHA regulations such as:
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Developing a fire protection program that should be followed throughout construction and demolition work.
Using only approved containers for storage and handling of flammable liquids and other hazardous materials.
Keeping heaters a minimum of 10 feet from combustible tarpaulins, canvas, or comparable coverings.
Ensuring that only authorized and qualified personnel handle explosives.
When Construction Site Disaster Strikes, Get Representation You Can Count On.
An explosion can be the result of negligence and oversight; a preventable incident that can easily result in mass destruction. When construction workers suffer on the job injuries, Attorney Michael LoGiudice is here to fight to enforce their legal rights to full and fair compensation. Contact Attorney LoGiudice today.