An explosion caused a tank to collapse at the INEOS chemical plant in Lima, Ohio on October 25, 2020. It is unclear what caused the incident at this time. The plant is owned and operated by INEOS. INEOS is a privately owned British chemicals company headquartered in London. It is one of the largest chemical companies in the world.
Large chemical plants can pose significant dangers both to workers at the facilities and to the general public. When dangerous work is involved, extra precautions must be taken, especially when catastrophic explosions and fires can occur. Although at this time it is not known what caused the explosion, safe plant operators must always ensure that equipment is regularly inspected and safely maintained. Not only can an incident like this result in a catastrophic impact on the environment, but it can also result in a loss of life.
For chemical plants, OSHA has issued a hazard communication guidance to ensure that the hazards of all chemicals produced or imported are evaluated and that information concerning their hazards is transmitted to employers and workers at least in the setting of dangerous chemical dust. OSHA recommends:
- First, chemical manufacturers and importers must review available scientific evidence concerning the physical and health hazards of the chemicals they produce or import to determine if they are hazardous. This is called a hazard determination or hazard evaluation;
- Second, for every chemical found to be hazardous, the chemical manufacturer or importer must develop MSDSs and container labels to be transmitted to downstream users of the chemicals. Employers are required to maintain an MSDS in the workplace for each hazardous chemical that they use;
- Third, all employers must develop a written hazard communication program and provide information and training to workers about the hazardous chemicals in their workplace.
Those touched by an industrial or plant accident should know their legal rights and remedies, and act quickly to preserve them. Our attorneys have extensive experience in cases involving industrial and plant personal injury and wrongful death, including those caused by fires and explosions. The firm has experience in courts across the country and the skills needed to represent the families of loved ones who have lost their lives as a result of the negligence of another party, or been seriously injured. The experienced attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was a victim of a fire or explosion at a plant facility. Please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or 877-678-5864 to learn more about your legal rights.