Health Risks From Working In Oil Refinery

Health Risks From Working In Oil Refinery

An oil refinery uses complex procedures to refine oil but all this would not be possible without workers with skills to run the complex and sophisticated machines. And we the consumers take oil for granted because we do not know the condition under which these workers work. Unfortunately many employees face health risks from working in an oil refinery.

One of the main health risks from working in an oil refinery is exposure to asbestos. In fact, asbestos exposure is the leading cause of death among workers of oil refineries even if they take all the necessary precautions. Many workers die due to mesothelioma, an aggressive form of cancer, and asbestosis. In fact, the cases of mesothelioma and asbestosis are higher in oil refinery workers compared to the general population.

Workers working in these refineries are working with highly inflammable materials under very high heat. And many of vessels and steam pipes in the refineries are line with asbestos. The workers who maintain and repair the vessels and steam pipes are ones who get exposed the most to asbestos and this exposure is on a regular basis.

In addition, there are hazardous chemicals and heat they work with which can pose dangers of their own. It is not unheard of workers dying due to gas leaks or inhalation of poisonous gases. Sometimes when death does not occur, they get all sort of problems and complications. Some problems and complications include asthma, coughing, chest pain, choking, bronchitis, skin irritations, nausea, eye problems, leukemia and headaches.

The biggest health risks of working in an oil refinery, however, are mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer and heart disease.

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Health Risks From Working In Oil Refinery