Chemical plant explosions can account for some of Texas’s most serious workplace accidents. Explosions and fires at the plants can cause employees to sustain life-altering injuries. It is important for victims to seek legal assistance as soon as possible after sustaining an injury in a chemical plant explosion.
The legal team at FVF can help educate you about your rights and options after an injury. Call us today at (512) 960-2052 or contact us online to get started.
Investigation Underway Following Chemical Plant Explosion in Houston, TX
Early in the morning on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, a fire began at Sound Resource Solutions of Shepherd, TX, a town 60 miles northeast of Houston. Sound Resource Solutions is a chemical plant that handles various chemicals, including Wood Turpentine, Sulfuric Acid, Isopropyl Alcohol, Diesel Fuel, and more, according to a statement issued by the Polk County Office of Emergency Management. Although it is unknown at this time which chemicals caught fire, residents within a five-mile radius were issued to shelter in place.
After a preliminary investigation, officials believe the explosion may have been caused by a “forklift incident.” According to the Sound Resource Solutions president, Geoff Harfield, the explosion occurred after an employee noticed a container leaking chemicals and a fire when he went to pick it up, although the investigation is still ongoing.
What Is A Chemical Processing Plant?
According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) a chemical processing plant “creates products by transforming organic and inorganic raw materials with chemical processes.” There are various types of chemical processing plants. Some of the main types include facilities that manufacture:
- Pesticide, fertilizer, and agricultural chemicals
- Adhesive, paint, and coating chemicals
- Medicine and pharmaceuticals
- Soap, cleaning compound, and toilet preparation chemicals
- Resin, synthetic rubber, and artificial synthetic fibers and filaments
Hazardous Chemicals Handled by Sound Resource Solutions
According the the Polk County Office of Emergency Management, Sound Resource Solutions manufactured and handled the following chemicals:
- Wood Turpentine
- Phosphoric Acid
- Xylene
- Diesel Fuel
- IMP-IC-2012
- Sulfuric Acid
- CDA-121
- NP 9
- Isopropyl Alcohol
- IMB-BAC-2
- AZA-121 Dispersant
- Acetic Acid
It is important to note that any of the chemicals handled at these manufacturing plants are hazardous and cause serious complications and injury if not handled correctly.
What Causes Chemical Plant Explosions And Accidents
There are four common causes of chemical plant accidents that have been identified by the Bureau of Labor Statistics that include:
- Employee Error: failure to properly and accurately follow safety guidelines or procedures.
- Lack of Safety Training: it is the company’s responsibility to properly train employees on how to safely operate equipment and follow safety guidelines. Failure to do so can result in accidents and serious injuries.
- Lack of Proper Maintenance: equipment needs to be properly maintained in a chemical plant, this means cleaning equipment, conducting regular inspections, and making immediate repairs when necessary. Failure to properly maintain equipment can result in explosions, fires, and other accidents.
- Manufacturer Defects: chemical plant equipment has precise manufacturing specifications, if equipment is defective and cannot operate correctly, this can lead to accidents and explosions.
Common Chemical Plant Explosions Injuries
Chemical plant explosions are common occurrences in the US and can cause serious injuries. So far in 2023, there have been more than 280 incidents in the US, and, in Texas, there have been more than 40 incidents.
Chemical plant explosions can cause injuries such as:
- Burn injuries
- Lung damage
- Broken bones
- Serious head injuries, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- And more
FVF Law Can Help If You Have Been Affected By A Chemical Plant Explosion
FVF Law is a values based personal injury law firm, committed to educating the injured on what comes next following an injury. Dedicated to transparency, compassion, and putting our client first, we hope to show injured Texans that consulting a lawyer after an injury is a natural and responsible thing to do. Call us today at (512) 960-2052 or contact us online for a low-pressure free consultation.
