The Dangers of Oilfield Jobs & What to Do if You’ve Been Injured

The oil and gas industry employs thousands of Pecos residents and has brought economic prosperity to our area, especially in recent years. But as oilfield workers know all too well, the industry is not without its drawbacks. Some studies suggest that the oil and gas industry has the highest rates of severe injury of any workplace in the country, and Texas has the greatest number of fatal oilfield accidents in America each year.

If you or a loved one are currently working in the oilfield, you should be aware of the dangers of oilfield jobs and what to do if you’ve been injured. Fortunately, our team has compiled an overview of what you need to know. Read on to find out the most common causes of oilfield workplace accidents, how to choose a Pecos oilfield accident lawyer, and more.

Many oil and gas workers have gone on record stating that oilfield injuries are frequently underreported. In fact, until 2015, OSHA regulations stated that employers only had to report fatalities and catastrophes (defined as accidents that resulted in hospitalization for three or more employees). In other words, until recently, the great majority of workplace accidents in the oilfields were never formally reported.

As such, there is limited data on workplace accidents within the oil and gas industry. However, the current OSHA data highlights some of the leading causes of accidents resulting in severe injuries. According to the data, the following are the main causes of severe accidents on oilfields, in order:

1. Getting a finger or body part entangled in equipment or machinery

Inadequate supervision, lack of proper safety training (or safety gear), worker fatigue, or faulty machinery can all raise the likelihood that an oilfield worker may accidentally become entangled in oilfield equipment, which frequently results in broken bones or even amputations.

2. Slips and falls

Many extraction workers work long shifts outdoors in challenging environments, and these conditions mean that slips and falls are very real threats. Falls from high platforms, access ladders, or manlifts may result in serious injuries or even death.

3. Being struck by falling objects or machinery

If not properly maintained and secured, falling oilfield equipment can become deadly in an instant. Proper training and proper safety precautions lessen the odds of falling object, but accidents happen in even the safest workplaces from time to time.

4. Fires and/or explosions

Oil is a highly flammable substance, and can easily catch fire if it comes into contact with even a very small spark. Explosions in oilfields can occur for many different reasons, including well blowouts, malfunctioning equipment, or negligence.

If you’ve been hurt on the job while working on the oilfield, you need to consult a Pecos oilfield accident lawyer as soon as possible to discuss your options and decide on a course of action. But not all attorneys are equally qualified to handle your case. When choosing a lawyer, you need to consider many different factors before making your final decision—especially since the lawyer you choose will play a huge role in determining the fate of your case.

Oil and gas companies are multimillion dollar corporations employing massive legal teams, so if you want to file a claim against your employer, you will need to choose a law firm with the resources—and experience—to take on one of these companies (in court, if necessary). Your attorney should be someone with trial experience, a winning track record, an unrivaled professional reputation, and finally, someone who you can trust.

Here at Carabin Shaw, our Texas oilfield injury attorneys have been handling oilfield accident cases for two decades. Our team has a combined 200 years of legal experience, and has secured more than $500 million in compensation for thousands of satisfied clients. We’ve helped numerous injured oilfield workers in the past, and we want to help you.

To schedule your free consultation with a knowledgeable Pecos oilfield accident lawyer, call our office serving Pecos at (432) 620-0544. Time is of the essence, so call today and learn what one of our Pecos accident lawyers at Carabin Shaw can do for you.