Venture Global, a low-cast provider of liquefied natural gas in North America, has begun construction on the Plaquemines LNG Project in Plaquemines Parish, Louisiana. This plant is expected to employ nearly 12,000 natural gas workers in Louisiana and cost approximately $20 billion to complete.
Natural gas is cooled down and liquefied (LNG) for safer and easier transportation. Natural gas provides a cleaner, safer alternative to other fossil fuels, though facilities handling these natural gases often face a number of different hazards. Even a minor error or failure can be harmful to employees and possibly cause life-threatening injuries. Workers at the LNG export facilities like Plaquemines LNG are often exposed to risks like exposure to dangerous chemicals, fires, and even explosions.
Employees working in these high-risk environments are prone to accidents and injuries and may need the guidance and support of an experienced Louisiana workers’ compensation attorney after a workplace mishap. Whether you’re dealing with respiratory issues from exposure to harmful chemicals or suffering burns from a fire, our attorneys at Wanko Workers’ Comp are available to help you receive compensation for medical treatment and lost wages. Liquefied natural gas facilities play a crucial role in meeting global energy demands, and workers who put their safety on the line deserve overwhelming support and assistance after suffering a workplace injury.
Plaquemines LNG Project Overview
The Plaquemines LNG Project is expected to employ over 5,000 residents of the state of Louisiana. Venture Global is in the advanced stages of three other LNG liquefaction and export facilities in the state as well. The Plaquemines LNG Project is expected to play a significant role in U.S. energy exports by supplying liquefied natural gas throughout North American and international markets. The commitment to a cleaner and lower-cost energy supply is a substantial addition to Louisiana's growing role in the energy sector.
There are expected to be approximately 12,000 employees working on-site at the Plaquemines LNG facility, working various different roles from gas processing to storage and transfer. Each role at an LNG facility involves its own set of risks and responsibilities. Our goal is to help employees at the Plaquemines LNG facility understand their rights and provide trusted legal support in the event of an accident or injury.
What Are the Most Common Hazards in the LNG Industry?
Working in a high-risk environment like an LNG facility exposes employees to a wide range of potential risks and hazards. The extreme temperatures and volatile chemicals involved in the production and transportation process also pose a serious threat to workers. It’s important for facilities to implement strict safety protocols, but even then, accidents are still bound to happen from time to time. Some of the most common risks and hazards in the LNG industry are:
Chemical Exposure
LNG facilities house a number of different chemicals to liquefy and store gas that can be harmful to employees. If a harmful chemical comes in contact with your skin, you can suffer from skin irritation, burns, or allergic reactions. Inhaling certain chemicals can cause toxic poisoning as well. Direct exposure to these chemicals can have long-term effects on your health, and while they may not be immediately apparent, you may begin to notice the effects over time. Exposure to these dangerous chemicals can result in respiratory or neurological issues.
Liquefied natural gas itself is non-toxic. However, many facilities also house other hazardous substances like hydrogen sulfide or ammonia. Toxic substances can sometimes be released accidentally and impact parts of the facility. Other gases like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen oxide are also commonly present in LNG facilities. When these chemicals are present in confined spaces, employees may experience dizziness or even a loss of consciousness if their oxygen levels are too low.
Other vapors and airborne particles can also impact your respiratory health. Workers can often be exposed to harmful vapors if there is a leak or improper ventilation in parts of the plant. Inhaling gas fumes over time can cause serious respiratory issues like bronchitis, asthma, or lung disease. Employees might experience symptoms like shortness of breath, chronic coughing, or chest discomfort. These initial symptoms often turn into more severe conditions if they aren’t addressed. Long-term exposure to certain chemicals also increases the risk of lung cancer.
Employees who suffer from respiratory or neurological issues caused by chemical exposure may not begin to notice the symptoms until further down the road. This can complicate the workers’ compensation process as it can be difficult to prove that these health issues are directly related to the workplace. Workers will often experience chronic fatigue, nerve damage, or cognitive impairment caused by chemical exposure.
Our team of attorneys at Wanko Workers’ Comp is committed to providing exceptional legal representation for employees suffering from these complications and more.
Burns and Explosions
The potential for burns and explosions is a serious concern in many LNG facilities. Due to the high volume of pressurized gases and flammable materials, even a small leak or spark can cause a fire or explosion. Employees may suffer serious burns that require extensive medical care, skin grafts, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
Cryogenic burns are also a concern for workers. Liquefied natural gas can be stored at temperatures as low as -260°F. If a worker makes direct contact with LNG at this temperature, they may suffer a cryogenic burn that severely damages the skin. The low temperature can also be damaging to pipes and valves made from non-cryogenic material and cause leaks.
LNG facilities often use turbines and engines that give off extreme heat. If a piece of equipment were to malfunction and hot vapors were released, it could cause burns or ignite flammable materials nearby. Employees should also be cautious of liquid that forms a pool on the ground, as it can be easily ignited and begin a pool fire.
Liquefied natural gas becomes highly flammable when vaporized. Due to the number of potential ignition sources and other flammable materials, fires in LNG facilities can spread quickly and become difficult to contain. When LNG leaks and vaporizes, it forms a vapor cloud. If this cloud meets an ignition source, it could cause an explosion. Needless to say, explosions can be extremely dangerous and even life-threatening to surrounding employees. Explosions can also be caused by storage tanks containing pressurized LNG being exposed to heat. The heat can cause the gas and tank to expand and rupture.
Workers who suffer from serious burns or experience a life-threatening explosion at work should have comprehensive and experienced legal support readily available. Fortunately, our team at Wanko Workers’ Comp is prepared to help LNG workers who have experienced burns or explosions seek compensation for their injuries, lost wages, and psychological trauma. Suffering a third-degree burn or a chemical explosion at work can be a traumatic and life-altering event. Our team is committed to helping LNG workers secure compensation for their injuries.
Musculoskeletal Injuries
Aside from the extreme risks of chemical exposure, severe burns, and explosions, working at an LNG facility requires intensive physical labor. Employees are often tasked with lifting heavy equipment, repetitive motions, and maintaining awkward and difficult postures for hours at a time. It is not uncommon for LNG workers to strain joints and muscles after moving large containers or performing labor-intensive tasks.
LNG employees may suffer from tendonitis as well as back and neck injuries. The repetitive motions and heavy objects often put a strain on the worker's wrists, shoulders, and elbows. Handling heavy loads and containers can have a serious affect on your neck and back, limiting your mobility and leading to chronic pain.
Not only can these injuries seriously impact your day-to-day life, but they may also affect your ability to perform your job. For some workers, this may mean retiring early or finding a new role. LNG workers who suffer from musculoskeletal issues may be able to seek compensation for injuries and lost wages.
Environmental Hazards
While Venture Global promises an environmentally friendly alternative to coal-fired power plants, LNG facilities still pose significant environmental threats as well. Spills from plants that seep into the soil or waterways can contaminate ecosystems and harm wildlife. Environmental contamination can be harmful to workers as well. Polluted air and water pose a risk to not only the workers but also members of the surrounding community.
LNG employees face a number of different risks and hazards that can drastically impact their lives and have life-altering consequences. Whether you’re suffering a burn from an explosion at work or have been left with chronic neck and back pain from years of intensive labor, our attorneys are able to help you through the workers’ compensation process and help you seek compensation.
Why These Risks Require Support With Workers’ Compensation
The LNG industry can be dangerous. Injuries often require extensive medical attention and can last a lifetime. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help by:
- Documenting and Substantiating Claims: A workers’ compensation attorney can ensure that your injuries are well-documented and backed by medical records.
- Ensuring Full Compensation: Respiratory illnesses or musculoskeletal injuries might involve long recovery periods. An attorney can help workers secure adequate wage replacement benefits.
- Handling Disputes: Employers and insurers may dispute the nature or severity of your injury. An attorney can fight for your rights and handle any disputes that arise during the workers’ compensation process.
For employees in the LNG industry, having access to a workers’ compensation attorney can make all the difference. Our attorneys at Wanko Workers' Comp are committed to providing expert representation for LNG workers. We are here to make sure that you receive the compensation and benefits that you need to get you on a path toward recovery.
Workers' Compensation in Louisiana
Louisiana’s workers’ compensation laws are designed to protect employees who suffer from work-related injuries or illnesses. Employees seeking compensation may be eligible for some of the following benefits:
- Medical Benefits: Injured workers are entitled to medical treatment for their injuries, including emergency care, surgery, physical therapy, medications, and ongoing medical support.
- Income Replacement: Workers who are unable to work after an injury may be eligible for income replacement benefits to cover their lost wage. These benefits often help workers cover their day-to-day needs during their recovery.
- Vocational Rehabilitation: Sometimes after an injury, workers are unable to fulfill the duties of their previous position and need to find a new one. Vocational rehabilitation services aim to help workers develop new skills and transition into a different role.
The workers’ compensation process can be complicated for high-risk industries like LNG. Wanko Workers' Comp is prepared to guide employees of Plaquemines LNG through the claims process. We are here to help you secure the compensation you need to focus on your recovery.
Why Do LNG Workers Need a Workers' Compensation Attorney?
An attorney can play a significant role in helping you secure compensation that allows for financial stability. The high-risk nature of LNG facilities often makes workers’ compensation claims more complicated. After an injury or illness, LNG workers should consider hiring a qualified workers’ compensation attorney for the following reasons:
- Complex Claims: Injuries from explosions and chemical exposure often involve complex medical documentation and treatment plans. Without expert representation, injured workers may struggle to secure the comprehensive care they need.
- Denied Claims: Employers and insurers often deny claims, arguing that the injury isn’t work-related or doesn’t qualify for certain benefits. An experienced attorney can challenge these denials, advocating for the employee's right to compensation.
- Severe Injuries: In cases of long-term or life-altering injuries, it’s essential that workers receive compensation that reflects the full scope of their needs. Attorneys with experience in LNG cases understand these challenges and can negotiate settlements or pursue claims that ensure adequate coverage.
Wanko Workers' Comp has a proven record of helping workers in high-risk industries secure compensation, supporting their financial needs while they focus on healing.
Unique Health and Safety Challenges for LNG Workers
LNG facilities are not your typical workplace environment, and the challenges that employees face differ quite a bit than those of your average worker. These facilities are high-risk, dangerous areas that involve overly repetitive tasks and exposure to hazardous materials. LNG workers face an increased risk of long-term health issues that can seriously impact their quality of life. Here are some of the most pressing challenges they face:
Long-Term Health Impacts
While many LNG workers experience obvious physical injuries on the job, many injuries are not immediately apparent. Symptoms of respiratory issues or chemical exposure may not begin to develop until later in life. Exposure to hazardous chemicals can lead to respiratory illnesses and other chronic conditions that may not become apparent until years later. Respiratory issues often worsen over time and can affect an employee’s ability to perform their job. Health conditions like these will only continue to impact your life as you get older, highlighting the need to secure compensation and benefits that support your long-term medical needs.
Repetitive Stress Injuries
Repetitive movements like lifting and carrying heavy objects and operating machinery can lead to repetitive stress injuries over time. LNG workers may begin to experience chronic pain in the back, shoulders, knees, and other areas that affect your mobility. Tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome are common in this field. While these are seemingly minor issues, they can lead to permanent disability and require surgery if left untreated. These injuries can seriously affect an employee’s ability to fulfill the duties of their job and cause long-term discomfort even after retiring.
Difficulty Returning to Work
Returning to work after a serious injury or illness can be challenging for LNG workers. Even minor injuries can leave workers struggling to perform their job. Workers who rush back to work before fully recovering may make their injuries even worse and prolong their recovery. Workers should not feel pressured into returning to work before recovering from their injury or illness and jeopardize their health even further. Wanko Workers' Comp will fight to make sure you receive the compensation and benefits necessary to allow you to fully recover from your injury before returning to the workplace.
Contact Us
Our attorneys at Wanko Workers’ Comp are proud to offer legal representation for Plaquemines LNG employees who have suffered injuries or illnesses on the job. Our team can help you secure the compensation that you deserve for medical expenses and lost wages. With over 20 years of experience handling workers’ compensation claims in Louisiana, our firm is prepared to take on your case.
Contact us today for a free consultation. In a high-risk industry like LNG, you need a workers’ compensation attorney that you can trust. If we can’t settle your case for more than you were offered, you don’t owe us a thing. Call us today and see why Wanko Workers’ Comp has been trusted to provide top-notch legal representation to Louisiana residents for decades.