Work in the oil fields can be a dangerous prospect. From falling debris to explosions, oil industry workers face a range of threats on an almost daily basis. Yet, considering the potential for catastrophe in the world of the oil industry, smaller scale, less obvious dangers can easily go ignored.
Sandblasting a process that is usually part of a bigger project, like cleaning or refurbishing. As such, workers engaged in sandblasting are not always afforded adequate protection. Because of such oversights, the potential for workplace injury in sandblasting operations is high, and even the most careful workers cannot always avoid a debilitating injury or illness.
What Are the Dangers of Sandblasting Work?
As with other operations in the oil industry, sandblasting involves the use of heavy equipment. Improper use or incorrect handling of this equipment can cause crush injuries, skin abrasion, and other serious bodily damage. Additionally, machinery used in sandblasting may be noisy, and, absent use of the proper safety gear, has the potential to cause hearing loss.
The biggest threat associated with sandblasting is the tiny particles it releases into the air. These particles can be far more than merely an irritant: when inhaled, they may lead to life-threatening illnesses, such as silicosis.
Employer Precautions Can Help Mitigate the Risk
Employers can take a number of steps to protect workers from the dangers of sandblasting. First and foremost, employers should provide thorough training and close supervision for any sandblasting operation.
Proper safety equipment is also a must. Protective gloves, coveralls, footwear, and safety goggles are essential. Most important of all, high-quality respirators should be given to anyone working on or near a sandblasting crew.
What Can You Do As A Worker?
As a worker in the oil industry, you should always watch out for your own safety and use protective gear issued by your employer. Of course, whatever your practices as a worker, sometimes serious injury can result during a sandblasting operation through no fault of your own.
CONTACT HERRMAN & HERRMAN IF YOU HAVE BEEN INJURED IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING TYPES OF ACCIDENTS:
We can help you if you have been harmed by the following:
- Car accidents – Our lawyers have extensive experience handling car accident cases. We will work to identify the party or parties at fault for the crash and build a case to demonstrate persuasively how the parties caused the accident and your injuries. We will seek fair and full compensation through a negotiated settlement or at trial if necessary.
- Truck accidents – Thousands of large commercial trucks travel the roads of Texas every single day. Unfortunately, careless truck drivers and trucking companies disregarding safety put innocent people at risk of serious injuries. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, let our experienced Texas personal injury lawyers stand up to the trucking companies and insurers on your behalf.
- Motorcycle accidents – Motorcycle riders often suffer grievous injuries in crashes caused by other motorists. Too many motorcycle accidents in Corpus Christi are caused by careless drivers who don’t look for motorcycle riders or violate their right of way. Our personal injury lawyers will work to cut through the bias and stigma against motorcycle riders. Our goal is to seek the financial compensation that you’ll need to recover from a serious motorcycle accident and injuries such as bone fractures, road rash, or traumatic brain injury.
- Product liability – Product manufacturers have a legal obligation to make products that are safe for their intended uses and to warn consumers of any risks that may come with the product. When products have design or manufacturing defects or undisclosed dangers, the product manufacturer may be legally responsible for injuries suffered by consumers. Our attorneys can help you evaluate whether you have a valid product liability claim.
- Brain injury – Brain injuries can leave accident victims with disabilities that leave them unable to work or perform many tasks of daily living. Seeking compensation for a brain injury in an accident often proves incredibly complex. The brain injury survivor may seek compensation for anticipated future medical care and the medical care already provided. Our personal injury lawyers can help you through the difficult recovery process following a brain injury and will fight to make sure you have the resources you need.
- Spinal injury – Spinal cord injuries could cost millions of dollars of care over the course of the victim’s lifetime, especially when those injuries result in partial or complete paralysis, such as paraplegia or quadriplegia. If you or your loved one has suffered a spinal cord injury, you deserve compassionate legal representation. Our attorney can help you determine whether you may be entitled to claim compensation for your injury and expenses related to living with the disability, such as making a home more accessible.
- Wrongful death – If you have lost a loved one due to the negligent or reckless actions of another party, your family deserves to seek accountability and compensation from those at fault for the wrongful death. Our caring and dedicated attorneys can help guide you and your family through this difficult and painful time and seek justice for your loved one.
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