Oilfield Crane Accidents | Las Cruces Work Injury Attorney

Each year, hundreds of thousands of workers are hurt on the job. And for workers whose jobs involve heavy machinery, the risk of injury is significantly heightened. Oilfield workers are among the workers whose careers depend on operating dangerous machines – including drilling equipment, commercial trucks, and cranes. Oilfield crane accidents are among the Las Cruces oilfield accidents that pose a significant risk to Las Cruces oil and gas employees. Our attorneys have compiled everything you need to know about oilfield accidents in Las Cruces; read on to learn more about the hazards facing workers in this industry.

Everyone knows that working in an oilfield is dangerous. But do you know what the biggest hazards facing oilfield workers are? According to our Las Cruces accident lawyers, the biggest workplace hazards in the oilfields include:

1. Fatigue. Possibly the greatest danger to oilfield workers is fatigue, which leads to thousands of injuries and deaths each year. Because oilfield crews often work seven straight days of 12 hour shifts during the day then immediately switch to working seven straight days of 12 hour night shifts, worker fatigue is inevitable – and extremely widespread. Abruptly switching from day shifts to night shifts disrupts the body’s natural wake-sleep cycle and contributes to fatigue. It’s also incredibly dangerous; fatigued workers are more likely to make mistakes that could cause injury to themselves or to others.
2. Lack of Adequate Training or Supervision. Despite regulations mandating training for all workers, inadequate training still occurs. If job training is rushed or not thorough enough, the likelihood of Las Cruces oilfield accidents skyrockets – even if other safety measures are in place.
3. Injuries Caused by Machinery. If machinery is not properly maintained or not maintained on schedule, the equipment can malfunction and become dangerous to workers. Trucks, rigs, control equipment, and cranes all require maintenance – and all pose significant risk of injury and have resulted in numerous oilfield accidents. A recent OSHA report on crane inspections conducted in Texas revealed that federal officials discovered 65 violations in 2017 alone – and that 71% of these violations were “serious, willful, or repeat.”

A study conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that there were 26 deaths that involved mobile, truck, or rail-mounted cranes in 2006 alone, and that in the same year, overhead cranes accounted for 19 more deaths. Cranes weigh upwards of 500-800 tons, and their massive size means that they can be catastrophic when not operated or maintained properly.

If you’ve been in an oilfield accident, you need an attorney. And if you’re looking for a work injury attorney serving Las Cruces, look no further than the law firm of Carabin Shaw. Our lawyers have extensive experience handling Las Cruces oilfield accidents, and we promise to handle your case with precision and care. We employ only the best Las Cruces work injury attorneys, and our legal team has more than 200 years of combined legal experience.

We offer all of our new clients a no cost, no obligation initial consultation – meaning you have absolutely nothing to lose by giving us a call. So call our office today for a free consultation at 915-779-2301 to find out what our experienced lawyers at Carabin Shaw can do for you. Let us help you get your life back on track, and get the compensation you deserve after your workplace accident.