Certain jobs are more dangerous than others, posing a greater risk for injury and even death. Oilfield work is one such occupation where employees face great dangers. An oil company must do what is necessary to keep the work site and employees safe. Those working in the oilfields must consider the various hazards, and act appropriately to prevent accidents; however, should such an incident occur, seeking the services of experienced accident lawyers is the best course of action to pursue.

Some Interesting Statistics

It is no secret there is a great deal of oil in Texas as well as in other parts of the United States. So oil-drilling rigs can be seen across the nation. Unfortunately, many accidents occur as a result. In Texas alone, over 200 fatalities occurred between 2008 and 2012 with over 600 fatalities and 18,000 injuries nationwide.

Questions arise about why so many of these accidents occur, specifically in Texas. Investigation at the scene of these accidents seem to find the same answers. Investigators, accident lawyers, and courts continue to find that these incidents are largely caused by carelessness on the job and/or failure to adhere to industry safety rules.

Common Causes of Oilfield Injuries

Because oilfield work involves the use of heavy machinery and takes place in an uncontrolled environment, it presents very real dangers to those in the field. Preventing injuries means being aware of the risks and being prepared to address them before they become a problem. According to lawyers experienced in handling accident injury claims, there are some of ways in which workers are injured, according to expert accident lawyers:

  • Toxic Fumes – Drilling for oil has always had risks; however, with the newer method of extracting oil from the ground called fracking, there is an entirely new set of risks. Because this process requires the use of many toxic and caustic chemicals, accident lawyers advise that workers risk injury caused by either contact with these chemicals or being overcome by fumes.

  • Equipment-Related Injury – Any method of extracting oil from the ground requires the use of heavy machinery, which can malfunction or fail. Injuries caused by drilling site equipment are common, causing spinal, brain, and other injuries, sometimes causing permanent disability and/or disfigurement.

  • Safety Violations – Failing to adhere to safety regulations on a job site can turn even the simplest of tasks into a serious injury. When there is widespread disregard for safety precautions, the incidence of accidents goes up. Accident lawyers state that this seems to be a particular problem in the oil industry.

Reducing The Risk of Oilfield Injury or Death

Current research about why there is such a high number are so many incidents in the oil field reveals that non-compliance with safety rules and poor training are largely the source of most events. Although it is impossible to prevent all accidents, lawyers who help clients receive compensation from such accidents suggest that prevention is possible through better compliance and training in this dangerous line of work.

When working in an occupation where injury or fatality is a risk, an oil company must be sure employees are fully trained and insist on adherence to all safety procedures. Based on the various cases seen by accident lawyers across the country, and investigation into the cause of oil industry casualties, these are the two main areas that require attention. If you have been injured and want to learn more about safety in the oilfield, contact an accident lawyer who is experienced with the oil industry, today!

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