Industrial Injuries at LyondellBasell Houston

The LyondellBasell site in Houston is one of the largest chemical, plastics, and refining facilities in the world. The company employs more than 13,000 people across 55 manufacturing locations in 17 countries. The Houston Ship Channel refinery is one of the largest in the area, capable of refining heavy, high-sulfur crude oil at a rate of 268,000 barrels every day.

Many times, mistakes happen, oversights occur, and cost-cutting measures lead to tragic outcomes. Industrial injuries at LyondellBasell Houston can be terrifying for all involved. Speak with our diligent Houston explosion injury attorney from The Doan Law Firm today.

July 2021 LyondellBasell Chemical Leak

In July of 2021, reports of chemical concerns were made at several LyondellBasell plants in the area. On the 13th, a power outage occurred, causing a severe flare-up of those chemicals. It was later determined that flammable gas was released through safety valves, causing black smoke to rise over the community in Sulphur, LA.

But this was not an isolated incident. On July 16, a chemical pollution event caused a smell to overtake the Galena Park area. An investigation found that the chemical emissions came from the LyondellBasell Houston refinery. Officials learned that the odor was due to a leak in one of the storage tanks.

Yet another incident occurred on July 27 when people from La Porte, a city close to Galena Park, reported illness. Two plant workers lost their lives in this incident, and 30 others suffered severe injuries resulting in hospitalization. Respiratory injuries and burns were reported.

Types of Industrial Injuries That Could Occur at LyondellBasell Plants

There are numerous instances of people reporting illness and the loss of life as a result of accidents and mishaps happening at oil refineries. There are many potential causes for these, but most of which are preventable when safety systems are in place and followed closely. Some of the most common industrial injuries we see include:

• Burns: Both chemical and thermal burns are very common. These occur when explosions or fires result from mistakes, oversights, or poor maintenance.
• Broken bones: Falls and pinning in equipment can cause fractures in the legs, arms, ribs, and even the skull.
• Respiratory issues: Those who do not wear proper masks could contract respiratory illness on any given day. However, community members may also be at risk when leaks allow dangerous chemicals to enter the airway.

Fatalities can occur as well. Many times, these accidents occur when safety measures are not followed or when victims are exposed to dangerous chemicals. Notably, some conditions can be related to accidents that result in the immediate loss of life. Others may be due to disease development over time from exposure.

Common Causes of Industrial Injuries

Injuries at LyondellBasell Houston occur for the same reasons as they happen at other locations:

• Explosions and fires caused by failing equipment
• Chemical exposure from substances like hydrofluoric acid, sulfur dioxide, and benzene
• High-altitude work resulting in injuries
• Slips, falls, and trips
• Falls from heights
• Process unit failures, leading to fluids or pressure surges

Often, it is not clear that the company is violating OSHA laws until there is evidence of a serious injury.

What to Do After an Accident: Call Our Team

At The Doan Law Firm, we take these claims seriously. Set up a free consultation with us. We want to learn about the industrial injuries at LyondellBasell Houston that impacted you.