Refinery turnarounds — also known as shutdowns or outages — are periods when normal operations are halted for scheduled maintenance, repairs, or upgrades. While essential for safety and efficiency, turnarounds are among the most dangerous times in a refinery’s operational cycle. The sudden increase in activity, influx of contractors, and high-pressure deadlines create a perfect storm for accidents.
Injuries that occur during refinery turnarounds often involve multiple companies and layers of responsibility. When a third-party contractor, supplier, or service provider contributes to a safety failure, injured workers may have the right to pursue a personal injury claim beyond workers’ compensation. A refinery injury lawyer can assist in identifying those responsible and seeking full compensation.
Why Turnarounds Are So Dangerous
Turnarounds bring a unique set of challenges that increase the risk of workplace injuries:
Increased Workforce
During a turnaround, hundreds of temporary workers and subcontractors are brought in, many of whom may be unfamiliar with the facility or safety protocols.
Compressed Timelines
Turnarounds are costly for refinery owners, so they are often rushed. This time pressure can lead to shortcuts and overlooked safety procedures.
Complex Operations
Activities such as opening pressure vessels, replacing piping, or performing high-temperature work create added hazards.
Coordination Failures
With multiple contractors working simultaneously, poor communication and oversight often lead to confusion, overlap, and increased risk of injury.
Common Injuries During Turnarounds
Turnarounds can lead to a wide range of injuries, including:
- Burns from welding, cutting, or chemical exposure
- Falls from scaffolding or elevated platforms
- Crush injuries from equipment or machinery
- Exposure to toxic gases or chemicals
- Electrical shocks or arc flashes
- Explosions due to improperly managed systems
These injuries are often severe and may require months or years of recovery.
Who May Be Liable in a Turnaround Accident?
Refinery turnaround projects typically involve a network of third-party companies. When an injury occurs, liability may extend beyond the injured person’s employer.
Third parties that may be held responsible include:
- Maintenance contractors performing faulty work
- Scaffolding or equipment providers whose products failed
- Project management firms overseeing the turnaround
- Safety consultants who failed to identify or mitigate known hazards
Establishing fault in these situations often requires a detailed investigation and technical understanding of industrial operations.
Legal Options for Injured Workers
While workers’ compensation may provide basic coverage, it rarely accounts for the full scope of losses. A personal injury claim against a negligent third party may allow recovery for:
- Full medical expenses and future care
- Lost income and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Disability or disfigurement
- Emotional trauma
These claims can be complex but are critical for workers dealing with long-term injuries.
Contact Spagnoletti Law Firm
If you or a loved one was injured during a refinery turnaround, it’s important to understand all available legal options. Turnaround injuries often involve multiple companies and complex liability questions. Spagnoletti Law Firm can assist with evaluating the facts of your case, identifying third-party liability, and pursuing financial recovery.
Call 713-804-9306 today for a free consultation. No legal fees are owed unless compensation is recovered.