Combustible Dust Explosion Accident

Jed Dietrich, Esq., Recognized as a Best Lawyer of America and New York Super Lawyer, and His Team of Aggressive, Tenacious, and Hardworking Attorneys at the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. Fight to Obtain the Best Result for Victims Injured in Combustible Dust Explosions in Buffalo, New York; Niagara Falls, New York; Rochester, New York; Throughout New York State and Beyond.

According to the Chemical Safety Board (CSB), over a recent ten-year period, 111 combustible dust explosions resulted in 337 injuries and 66 worker fatalities throughout the United States. Combustible dust is essentially any fine material that presents a risk of catching fire or detonating when floating in the air or some other oxidizing medium, irrespective of the particle shape or size. Combustible dust has the potential to be considerably more dangerous than the average dust residing around your house. This type of dust can form from metals, solid organic materials, and nonmetallic inorganic materials. Even small particles of combustible dust that are exposed to flames, sparks, or ignited chemicals can give rise to catastrophic explosions.

Explosions usually happen abruptly with little or no warning, which makes it nearly impossible for employees and others in the vicinity to escape unharmed. Moreover, most explosions take place in enclosed areas without sufficient ventilation or ways to quickly exit the facility. Unfortunately, these same factors transform employees into helpless victims of explosions. Explosions caused by combustible dust can cause severe burns throughout the body, smoke inhalation injuries, and even fatalities. Sadly, many of these explosions could have easily been prevented if only proper safety measures were implemented.

Jed Dietrich, Esq. founded the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. in 2005 with a mission to provide the highest level of personal injury service to victims. Since 1999, Jed Dietrich, Esq. has exclusively handled serious personal injury cases. Throughout the years, Jed Dietrich, Esq. has seen the ravaging impact that explosions can have on a victim’s life, ranging from third-degree burns and disfigurement to smoke inhalation and death. The Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s highly qualified team understands the severe emotional trauma and devastation that these injuries can cause. Our top-notch team of explosion injury attorneys is here to assist you by asserting your legal rights to seek compensation. Distinguished with a Better Business Bureau A+ Rating, our remarkable law firm will fight to obtain the best result for your explosion-related injuries and resulting damages. Insurance companies have paid Jed Dietrich, Esq. at least $1,000,000.00 or more 44 times to compensate his clients for their injuries. Our veteran team is available for your free consultation 24 hours per day and 7 days per week by calling 716-839-3939 or by filling out the online consultation form.

Combustible dust explosions can often be attributed to a variety of factors. Nevertheless, the most common feature of these mishaps is blast reactions. Blast reactions occur when fuel, oxygen, and heat all mix in a confined space. This mixture creates the perfect combustible combination, which then triggers an explosion upon ignition. Concentrations of dust particles act as a primary source of fuel for fires. When even small sections of industrial facilities are not properly ventilated, such sites can fall victim to devastating explosions. Further, when combustible dust catches on fire, it can discharge particles into the atmosphere making secondary explosions much more probable. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), when secondary explosions take place, there are considerably more fatalities than when only a primary explosion occurs. Combustible dust explosions typically happen at chemical plants, factories, and other industrial locations, including:

1. Tobacco processing workshops;
2. Manufacturing facilities;
3. Coal factories;
4. Textiles workshops;
5. Fossil fuel power generation facilities;
6. Metal processing plants;
7. Recycling plants;
8. Farms, particularly ones with large grain silos;
9. Large woodwork shops; and
10. Power plants.

Most combustible dust explosions could easily be avoided by incorporating proper training and appropriate prevention measures. It is crucial for management and supervisors to conduct comprehensive evaluations of every material under their control, thoroughly assess all workplace areas, review each conducted operation, and determine any potential sources of ignitions. Oftentimes, workplaces can be made safer by rearranging, repairing, or removing hazardous items, materials, and components. Additionally, routine inspections for the potential of explosions and the presence of combustible dust should be performed.

Dust filtration and collecting systems may need to be installed to minimize the outflow of combustible dust from a facility’s ventilation system and processing equipment. All of the plant’s flooring and other surfaces should be finished with easy-to-clean coatings. Cleaning crews need to be adequately trained on safe and proper cleaning practices. Safe cleaning methods will help avoid creating any hazardous dust clouds around work areas. Also, all employees should receive training on the most effective methods of minimizing potential dust-related explosions, such as preventing friction caused by mechanical sparks. Lastly, smoking in or nearby facilities should be prohibited. When owners or managers of factories and other industrial locations fail to create safe environments by conducting regular inspections and risk assessments, installing and maintaining dust management systems, or taking other reasonable safety precautions to prevent combustible dust explosions, they may be held liable for any resulting injuries.

If you, or a loved one, have suffered severe injuries or worse in a combustible dust explosion, it is crucial to contact Jed Dietrich, Esq., acclaimed as an American Institute of Personal Injury Attorneys 10 Best Attorneys, and his battle-tested team of Buffalo, New York lawyers at the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. to learn more about your legal options. Our highly determined, dedicated, and disciplined team will systematically investigate the circumstances surrounding the explosion to uncover whether critical prevention measures were overlooked. You may have the right to seek monetary compensation for your past and future medical bills, lost wages from work, pain and suffering, permanent disfigurement, disability, and reduced earning capacity. For family members of victims who died in an explosion, although nothing can erase the pain of your loss, you may have the right to file a wrongful death claim. Insurance companies have paid Jed Dietrich, Esq. over $175,000,000.00 in verdicts and settlements to compensate his clients for their serious injuries and wrongful deaths. Our honorable commitment to exceeding your expectations and delivering an unrivaled outcome is what sets us apart from the competition. Contact the Dietrich Law Firm P.C.’s seasoned attorneys today at 716-839-3939 to find out more about how we can help you!

Call the Dietrich Law Firm P.C. immediately at 716-839-3939 so that our aggressive, tenacious and hardworking personal injury lawyers can fight to obtain the best result for your personal injury claim in Buffalo, New York. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and there is never a fee until we WIN for you!