According to the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP), oilfield fatalities have declined by 16% as of 2020. However, that does not mean that there have not been many injuries within the oil and gas industry, even if these injuries did not prove fatal. In fact, there were more than 15,000 lost workdays in 2020. With that in mind, here are some of the most common injuries in the oil and gas industry and how they occur.
Traumatic Brain Injuries and Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries are often debilitating and life-changing. Many workers find themselves unable to continue working in the same industry once they have reached maximum medical improvement.
Accidents known for producing spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries in the oil and gas industry include:
- Falls from elevated heights
- Getting struck by falling objects
- Getting caught between or in machinery
- Explosions
Burn Injuries
Disfiguring skin scars and third-degree burn injuries are not uncommon in oil and gas extraction work. Since much of the work involves industrial chemicals, when there are explosions or employees are otherwise exposed to these toxic substances, they can suffer critical burn injuries. Burn injuries can also be caused when oil and gas workers are electrocuted.
Amputation
Amputations involve the loss of a leg or arm but could also include the loss of fingers. Employees working on cranes, deck operations, or lifting are more likely to suffer amputation injuries. Those who work in drilling or well services, including maintenance, testing, and inspection may be at an increased risk for severe injuries or death.
Hearing and Vision Loss
Another top reported injury includes hearing and vision loss. Hearing loss can occur when workers are not provided with the necessary protective equipment or fail to utilize their protective gear. The equipment used in the gas and oil industry is extremely loud and, without essential protective gear, can cause temporary or permanent hearing loss.
Vision loss can occur when the eyes suffer direct injury or when workers are exposed to toxic chemicals. If the worker is unskilled, equipment is being misused, or another oil or gas worker is acting with negligence, other employees can suffer critical injuries.
Lacerations and Puncture Wounds
There were nearly 100 cases of workers being caught between, under, or in machinery or other objects in 2020. These accidents produce puncture wounds and lacerations that could become septic. Sepsis can put your life in jeopardy. If your lacerations or puncture wounds are not treated in time, you may be at risk of organ failure, blood loss, and death.
What to Do When You Suffer an Injury In The Oil & Gas Industry
You are not alone if you suffered from injuries while working in the gas or oil industry. You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits when you are injured in a work-related accident.
In filing a claim for workers’ comp, fault is irrelevant. As long as you qualify for benefits, your employer’s insurance provider must provide you with certain types and amounts of benefits, including:
- Coverage of your medical expenses
- Vocational rehabilitation benefits so you can re-enter the workforce
- Disability benefits that replace a portion of your lost income
If you lost a loved one due to a fatal injury, the insurance company might also be required to cover the decedent’s funeral and burial expenses, medical costs, and provide certain surviving family members with disability benefits.
Get Help From a Personal Injury Lawyer Today
If you were injured while working on an oilfield, you might have the right to certain benefits through your employer’s workers’ comp provider.
Contact a dedicated lawyer at Kemmy Law Firm for a free consultation today. You can get started on your case by completing our convenient contact form or calling our office at (830) 264-6297.
Kemmy Law Firm serves clients across Texas and New Mexico:
Oil Field Injury Lawyers in Odessa, Texas
101 N Jackson Ave
Odessa, Texas 79761
Oil Field Injury Lawyers in Hobbs, New Mexico
1601 N. Turner, Suite 417
Hobbs, NM 88240
The post Most Common Injuries In the Oil & Gas Industry appeared first on Kemmy Law Firm.
