Refinery work is inherently dangerous, underscoring the importance of workplace safety standards. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is a federal agency of the U.S. Department of Labor. OSHA strives to provide American workers with safe working conditions, including in Texas oilfields and oil refineries. When accidents occur, OSHA investigates to ensure compliance and prevent future incidents. 

If you were hurt while on the job, possibly due to an OSHA violation, our Houston refinery injury lawyer at Terry & Thweatt, P.C. can provide the essential support you need. We’ll interpret OSHA reports, identify liable parties, and fight for fair compensation. Even when OSHA is involved, legal representation is vital for understanding regulatory compliance and defending your rights.

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refinery workers following OSHA compliance for safety

How OSHA Investigations Protect Worker Safety

OSHA plays a crucial role in protecting worker safety, especially in high-risk industries like oil and gas. Established in 1970, OSHA defines and governs standards to provide American workers with safe and healthful working conditions. This is especially critical in Texas, where refinery explosions can leave victims and their families struggling to cope with their losses.  

OSHA enforces workplace safety regulations through a system of inspections and investigations. These may be triggered by worker complaints, agency referrals, and reported accidents, as well as planned inspections targeting hazardous industries. OSHA conducts routine inspections of Texas refineries and responds rapidly to incidents. The agency prioritizes inspections on the immediacy of the danger and the severity of the risk for serious injury or fatalities. 

These investigations identify safety violations, assess compliance with OSHA standards, and enforce corrective actions to prevent future incidents. They can also illuminate industry-wide trends that may inform the development or refinement of safety standards. Citations and penalties serve to deter non-compliant employers against lax safety practices. 

OSHA Safety Standards for Oil Refineries

In a document on process safety management (PSM) for petroleum refineries, OSHA highlights some of the key areas that received the most citations. OSHA’s safety standards for oil refineries cover a broad range of operating procedures and standards, like emergency shutdown procedures and safe work practices. 

Workplaces are required to comply with guidelines governing such areas as:

  • Protecting workers against refinery fall accidents and injuries.
  • Preventing exposure to certain infectious diseases and harmful chemicals.
  • Implementing suitable safety measures to protect workers in confined spaces.
  • Installing guards and safeguards on dangerous machinery and equipment.
  • Requiring respirators and other safety equipment as relevant for required work tasks.
  • Training refinery workers to handle dangerous jobs and minimize instances of human error.
  • Providing refresher training at least once every three years to ensure continued OSHA compliance with safety standards.

Process Safety Management Regulations

Developed as part of the Clean Air Act Amendments, OSHA’s PSM regulations aim to prevent and minimize the consequences of catastrophic releases of toxic, reactive, flammable, or explosive chemicals. The standards govern not only employers and employees but also contractors working in oilfields and refineries. 

PSM regulations require refineries to implement systematic programs to address process safety, including hazard analysis, mechanical integrity, and standard operating procedures. They must all comply with recognized and generally accepted good engineering practices. Examples of violations found during inspections include missing relief devices and high back pressure on relief valves. 

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Checking for OSHA Compliance After a Refinery Accident

From the Houston Ship Channel, the Gulf Coast region, the Eagle Ford Shale to the Permian Basin, oil and gas workers face a number of health risks. In addition to explosions, fires, and crush injuries, they may also be exposed to volatile organic compounds and other invisible airborne threats. 

Employers are required to report refinery accidents to OSHA in a timely manner:

  • If the incident results in a work-related hospitalization, amputation, or the loss of an eye, employers must report it to OSHA within 24 hours. 
  • In a fatal refinery accident, employers must report the incident to OSHA within eight hours. 

Then, OSHA launches an investigation within 48 hours, detailing what happened, the factors that contributed to the accident, and what changes should be implemented to prevent future occurrences. Investigations conducted by the U.S. Chemical Safety Board can take up to 12 months to complete. It collects samples, examines records, and inspects operating procedures. 

Why You Need a Refinery Injury Lawyer in Houston

The resulting report from an OSHA investigation may identify how an employer failed to comply with safety standards. For injured workers, though, this report often isn’t enough on its own to support your claim for fair and full compensation. The intense complexities of refinery injury cases require insight from experienced refinery injury lawyers like our team at Terry & Thweatt, P.C.

In one case, Terry & Thweatt, P.C. attorneys Joe Terry and Lee Thweatt represented a refinery worker who suffered injuries following an explosion and exposure to toxic chemicals at a Texas Gulf Coast refinery. The client suffered both physical and mental injuries stemming from the explosion. Terry & Thweatt filed suit quickly, and through the lawsuit discovery process, learned the cause and origin of the explosion which resulted in the client’s injuries. The settlement accomplished by our representation of the client’s interests will provide for the client’s medical needs, and will also address the continuing financial impact upon the client’s ability to earn an income in the wake of the client’s injuries. The settlement was $950,000

Schedule a Complimentary Consultation With Our Houston Refinery Accident Attorney

At Terry & Thweatt, P.C., our Houston-based refinery accident lawyer offers free initial consultations for prospective clients. 

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