It's no surprise that Louisiana has more oil refineries and refines more oil than any other state except Texas. And while industry statistics may indicate that working at an oil refinery is safer than ever, workplace accidents and long-term injuries are still realities in the refinery setting.

Refinery Hazards and Injuries

There are many hazards that oil refinery workers encounter as part of their workplace environment. Because of the nature of the process, refinery workers are often working near equipment that is operating at high temperatures. Fires, explosions, chemical leaks, and spills can result in severe heat or chemical burn injuries. Workers who fall due to a blast can suffer broken bones, spine and back problems, and other physical injuries that can take months or years to heal.

Long Term Injuries

Refinery workers can also be exposed to a wide range of chemicals over the long term, which can result in a number of health conditions, including skin diseases, respiratory problems, chronic headaches, and an increased risk of cancer. These types of injuries can be difficult to spot, as they often develop slowly over time and only after years of exposure to on-site chemicals and other toxic substances.

Workers can also suffer hearing loss or tinnitus from long-term exposure to high noise levels. And, of course, there are workplace risks that aren't unique to the refinery setting, such as slips and falls, injuries caused by lifting, carrying, or dropping tools and heavy loads, and the possibility of being injured on-site by a vehicle.

What to Do If You're Injured at Work

If you work in an oil refinery and are involved in a workplace accident, or if you have worked in an oil refinery and believe your illness or injury may have been caused by long-term exposure to the refinery workplace environment, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. In most cases, this will be through Louisiana's workers' compensation program, which can pay for your hospital and doctor care, rehabilitation costs, and a portion of your lost wages in cases where you'll be out of work because of your injury. When it comes to filing a claim, you need the advice of an experienced attorney who can help you understand your options and how to recover what you're entitled to. The Delsa Law Firm, LLC, has been helping hard-working people who work in Louisiana protect their rights to receive workers' compensation benefits for years. If you are injured on the job in Louisiana – even if you live in Mississippi or another state – contact us for help. We are conveniently located just off of I-12 in Slidell. Call us today at (985) 882-1222 or use our convenient online contact form on our webpage to schedule a free, confidential consultation.