While every profession features occupational hazards, safety hazards are particularly pronounced for employees who work at industrial plants. For example, there is always potential for chemical explosions, which can expose workers to toxic chemicals and cause devastating injuries. Exposure to harmful chemicals opens a Pandora’s box because affected workers can never be sure of whether they may have to grapple with both short-term and in the long run as a result.
In such predicaments, worker’s compensation can be a safety net to help employees prioritize their health without inspiring them to feel overwhelmed by unexpected medical bills. A recent chemical explosion at an industrial plant in Iowa highlights the value that workers’ compensation programs contribute when employees get injured on the job.
The Iowa plant explosion
On December 8, 2022, a plant explosion in Eastern Iowa caused significant concern among local residents and officials. Following the explosion, nearby residents had to urgently evacuate their residents due to the release of harmful chemicals into the environment.
While the immediate focus was on containing the fire and helping to ensure public safety, attention soon turned to the plant workers exposed to these hazardous chemicals during the incident. The explosion happened at an industrial plant involved in processing and manufacturing. The combination of combustible materials ever-present at the facility and inadequate safety measures led to the massive blast. Workers present at the time of the explosion faced immediate dangers such as:
- Burns
- Respiratory issues
- Exposure to toxic chemicals
The affected workers are now at risk of immediate and long-term health complications. This highlights the importance of understanding their rights to workers’ compensation.
Workers’ compensation for chemical exposure
The affected workers can apply for workers’ compensation to help ensure they have the financial resources they need for immediate medical care and long-term treatment, such as:
- Emergency room visits
- Surgeries
- Physical therapy
- Ongoing medical check-ups
Specialized care may also be required due to their exposure to toxic chemicals.
Since the injured employees suffered devastating injuries, they may not be able to find new work as soon as they need to. Luckily, workers’ compensation can provide partial wage replacement as they continue their recovery journey.
Employees who get injured on the job may not know what to do when their out-of-pocket medical expenses start to pile up. With reliable legal guidance, they can apply for workers’ compensation and likely receive financial relief as they recover from their injuries.