If it just happened
Emergency? Call 911- 1Get out and away from the area. Call 911 for any burns, trouble breathing, smoke inhalation, head injury, chest pain, ringing ears with dizziness, or anyone missing.
- 2Do not go back in for belongings or equipment. Let trained responders handle the scene.
- 3For burns, cool the area with cool running water if you can and remove jewelry or tight items nearby, unless clothing is stuck to the skin. Do not use ice.
- 4Tell responders about any chemicals, gases or fuels involved so they can protect you and others.
- 5Let your supervisor know where you are and that you were hurt, then report your injuries in writing when you can.
- 6Write down what you saw and heard and who was near you, as soon as you are able.
General information only — not medical or legal advice.
Reporting it and the claim process
Explosions and fires at refineries, plants, mines and job sites are usually investigated by several groups. That does not replace your own injury report. Report every injury you notice, including burns, cuts from debris, ringing or muffled hearing, coughing and trouble sleeping, even if they seem minor compared with others.
Your report should describe where you were, what you were doing, how far you were from the blast or fire, and what protective equipment you had. Keep it factual. You do not need to guess at the cause.
A workers' compensation claim generally starts when the employer notifies its insurer. Deadlines to report and to file vary by state, so contact your state's workers' compensation agency soon, even if you are still in the hospital. A family member can help make calls.
Keep copies of medical records, the incident report, photos of your injuries, and any letters from your employer, investigators or insurers. Note names of contractors or equipment companies at the site.
Getting medical care
Burns, smoke inhalation, blast injuries and hearing damage often need care from several types of clinicians over time. A licensed clinician decides what is appropriate after an evaluation. Ask for a hearing check if your ears rang or felt plugged.
Tell every provider the injury happened at work. Some states and employers have rules about which provider you see for follow-up, so ask the adjuster or your employer before switching.
Ask the pharmacy and adjuster how work-injury prescriptions are handled. Home delivery is often available, which can help while you heal from burns or cannot drive.
Prescribed medication? Learn about prescription home delivery, common medications after work injuries, or find pharmacies near you. Your doctor and pharmacist decide what is right for you.
When people often talk to an attorney
- You have serious burns, scarring or lasting hearing loss.
- A contractor, equipment maker or another company may have caused the explosion or fire.
- You have nightmares, flashbacks, panic or fear of returning to the site.
- Breathing problems continue after the smoke exposure.
- Your claim is denied or delayed while the investigation is ongoing.
- You are asked to give a recorded statement or sign documents and want to understand them first.
Learn more: what a workers' comp attorney does. Many offer a free first consultation; fees in workers' comp are often regulated by the state.
Recovery and going back to work
Burn and blast recovery can be long, with wound care, therapy and follow-up visits. Keep every appointment and write down symptoms that change over time, such as hearing, breathing or skin tightness.
Returning to the same site after an explosion can be hard. Ask your clinician about restrictions, and talk with your employer about modified duties or locations if available. Get any restrictions in writing.
Emotional effects are common after a workplace explosion or fire. Tell your clinician about sleep problems, anxiety or intrusive memories; behavioral health care may be part of recovery. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988, or call 911 if you are in danger.
Questions to ask
- Who is handling my workers' comp claim, and what is the claim number?
- Can I get a copy of the incident report?
- Doctor, should I have my hearing and breathing checked?
- What signs of burn infection should I watch for?
- Is counseling or behavioral health care available as part of my care?
- Who do I call if the pharmacy has a question about billing my work-injury prescription?
- Attorney, could a contractor or equipment maker be involved?
Frequently asked questions
What should I do if I was injured in an explosion or fire at work?
Call 911 and get emergency care right away, even for injuries that seem minor. Then report every injury in writing, including hearing and breathing problems. Keep all records in one place.
Can an explosion damage my hearing even if I was not burned?
Yes, loud blasts can affect hearing and cause ringing. Mention any ringing, muffled sound or dizziness to your clinician. Ask about a hearing check.
Is an explosion at work covered by workers' comp?
Injuries from a workplace explosion or fire are generally the kind of event workers' comp addresses, depending on your state. Report them promptly. Check your state's workers' compensation agency for the rules.
What if a contractor caused the explosion?
There may be third-party questions in addition to your workers' comp claim. Write down names of contractors and equipment companies at the site. People often talk with an attorney in this situation.
Is it normal to feel anxious after a workplace explosion?
Yes, many people have strong emotional reactions after a frightening event. Tell your clinician, since support is available. If you have thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988.
Should I wait for the investigation before filing a claim?
Generally, no. Deadlines vary by state and may not pause for an investigation. Report your injuries now and ask your state's agency about filing.
Related situations
Industries where this often happens
Prescriptions.plus is an educational portal. We are not a pharmacy, law firm, medical provider, insurer or claims administrator, and nothing here is medical or legal advice. Educational purposes only. Workers' compensation rules and deadlines vary by state — check with your state's workers' compensation agency. Medical emergency? Call 911. Hurt outside of work? Personal-injury legal help: attorneys.plus (coming soon).