Common Oilfield Injuries

Burn Injuries

Oil, natural gasses, and other flammable substances extracted during the drilling process all increase the risk for fires and explosions. Sometimes, oilwell blowouts (an uncontrolled release of crude oil) occur and cause large amounts of crude oil to spill out onto the worksite. If not contained quickly, the oil could ignite and cause a catastrophic explosion.

Burn injuries also result from electrocutions. Improperly maintained or designed equipment could expose workers to an energy hazard, resulting in severe burns that permanently maim or kill workers.

Properly maintaining and operating equipment and containing fires before they get out of control could help prevent burn injuries.

Poisoning

Along with the precious oil that workers take great risks to extract, toxic gasses are also released during the drilling process. When exposed to atmospheric conditions, these toxins could be fatal to anyone in the surrounding area if inhaled for long periods.

One of these gasses is hydrogen sulfide—a colorless gas that reeks of rotten eggs. Workers exposed to hydrogen sulfide might experience eye irritation, headaches, weakness, and other symptoms.

Employees working in mud pits, storage tanks, reserve pits, and other confined areas are at an increased risk of long-term exposure to hydrogen sulfide. Workers might be required to have a permit before entering these confined spaces.

Head Injuries

Oilfield workers must be aware of their surroundings at all times. They might have machinery operating above them while they’re handling powerful (and loud) equipment.

If they don’t pay attention and loud tools muffle a co-worker’s warnings, they could suffer a blow to the head, potentially knocking them unconscious or killing them instantly.

Slip and falls, caught-in / between accidents, and other accidents all have the potential to cause head injuries. Survivors of these accidents might suffer from a traumatic brain injury or permanent brain damage. Even a minor concussion could require extensive recovery.

That’s why all employers should provide their workers with the personal protective equipment (PPE) they need to stay safe on the job. They could be found negligent in a civil claim if they don’t.

Broken Bones

Broken bones could result from all kinds of on-the-job accidents in the oil industry. Workers might have to climb to great heights to access certain areas of the oil rig. A fall from the platform they’re working on could lead to several bone breaks and other severe injuries.

Most of the time, workers don’t have to fall too far to break any bones. They might have only dropped a few feet but landed awkwardly on the equipment below them, causing fractured or broken limbs.

While failing to adhere to OSHA safety standards could cause a worker to fall from an oil rig, it might also cause the oil rig to fall on them in an oil rig collapse. Or, workers could be struck-by or caught-in or between heavy equipment that crushes their bodies.

Fall protection and safe operation of oilfield machinery and equipment could help prevent workers from these injuries. 

Neck & Back Injuries

Oil and gas extraction workers often experience back and neck injuries to some degree, due to how labor-intensive their job inherently is. However, that’s not to say that negligence can’t factor into these types of injuries. As with other injuries stated so far, being struck-by heavy machinery or caught-in or between equipment could undoubtedly produce significant back and neck injuries.

Incorrectly carrying or lifting heavy equipment or tripping in a cluttered work zone could also injure the back and neck muscles. Injuries could potentially cause workers to take time off to recover.

Employers must ensure that all workers are trained to pick up and carry heavy equipment correctly. Additionally, the work zone should be clear and safe to avoid any slip and fall injuries.

Sprains & Strains

While it’s easy to assume that explosions and falls contribute to most oilfield injuries, ergonomic hazards could also put workers at risk. Working in awkward positions may result in sprains or strains. Although these positions might not cause significant harm instantly, working this way day in and day out could put repetitive stress on one area, resulting in an injury to muscles or ligaments.

Ergonomics helps fit the job to the person and enables workers to perform effectively. This reduces the risk of developing musculoskeletal disorders.

Recover from Your Work Injury with Kemmy Law Firm

Just because you’re at a higher risk of injury while working on an oilfield doesn’t mean that negligent parties get off the hook for causing an accident. Whether your injury was listed above or not, you still have the right to pursue compensation, and the Kemmy Law Firm can help you recover what you lost.

Our attorneys will investigate your case to determine fault and fight to hold all at-fault parties accountable for their actions. Contact Kemmy Law Firm today at (432) 400-0000 to schedule a free consultation.