Working in oilfields is inherently dangerous. According to data from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, from 2008 through 2017, 1,566 workers died from injuries in the oil-and-gas drilling industry. Unfortunately, drilling oil and gas wells – and doing other jobs that support oil and gas operations – will continue to be a dangerous line of work.
But with the proper procedures and safety measures in place, workers should be able to trust that they are not risking their lives while doing their jobs. Oilfields can be held accountable for their negligence when an employee is injured at work.
Common Oilfield Accidents
The actual danger of oilfields lies in the many types of accidents that threaten employee safety. Although some occur more than others, they all increase the need for workers to take precautions. These accidents include:
- Electrocution – Many oil rigs require the use of corrosive chemicals that increase the likelihood of electrocution.
- Equipment Malfunctions – Companies that produce defective or malfunctioning equipment can be found liable for their negligence when workers suffer fatal injuries.
- Gas Poisoning – Oil rigs often see gas poisonings when colorless and odorless gases collect in areas that are not adequately ventilated.
- Slip and Fall Accidents – Oilfield workers are often required to work on equipment at elevated heights. Slip and falls from the equipment to the ground or into the ocean can produce life-threatening injuries.
- Injuries Caused by Inadequate Training – Oilfield workers can make careless mistakes when oil companies fail to train employees properly.
Injuries Seen in Oilfield Accidents
Oilfield accidents are known for producing some of the most devastating injuries. Depending on your accident, you may experience:
- Head and back injuries
- Traumatic brain damage
- Amputation
- Paralysis
- Spinal cord injuries
- Third-degree burns
- Broken and fractured bones
- Organ failure
- Internal bleeding
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
These are only a few of the different types of injuries you could sustain after an oilfield accident.
How Does OSHA Improve Oilfield Safety?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has taken steps to limit oilfield accidents. Some of these efforts include:
- Regular hazard alerts regarding the proper use of oilfield equipment, injury prevention, safety procedures, and more
- Increasing enforcement efforts
- Investigating work injuries not only reported deaths
- Implementation of Oil and Gas Extraction Standards
Although OSHA makes an effort to limit oilfield injury, they can’t control the negligent actions of an employer who chooses to forgo hazard prevention.
Oilfield Negligence
Due to the dangerous nature of the job, oilfield employers have a higher standard of care and are obligated to follow strict guidelines to keep workers safe. When these guidelines are not met, an employer could be found negligent.
Examples of Oilfield Negligence
Examples of negligence could be when companies fail to follow safety protocol or provide workers with safety equipment and a safe work environment. A worker has the right to seek compensation when their employer compromises their safety and causes their injury.
Oilfield negligence could be fatal, giving the victim’s loved ones the right to file a wrongful death claim.
Contact an Oilfield Injury Lawyer Today
Did you suffer catastrophic injuries in an oilfield accident? Is someone else at fault for the injuries you sustained? If so, you may have the right to hold them accountable in civil court. Make the at-fault party pay for their negligence. Contact an experienced oilfield injury lawyer at Kemmy Law Firm to get started on your case.
Our firm proudly offers no-cost, risk-free claim reviews to oilfield injury survivors. Claim yours when you complete our quick contact form or call our office at (830) 264-6297.
Kemmy Law Firm serves clients across Texas and New Mexico:
Oilfield Accident Attorneys in Odessa, Texas
101 N Jackson Ave
Odessa, Texas 79761
Oilfield Accident Attorneys in Hobbs, New Mexico
1601 N. Turner, Suite 417
Hobbs, NM 88240
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