2 leading causes of Oilfield worker fatalities

The oil industry can provide a lucrative career, but it isn’t for the faint of heart. Oilfield workers are exposed to dangerous environments and increased health risks. Still, with proper training and experience, oil field workers can find high-paying jobs.

In an effort to understand the dangers associated with oil field workers, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched a ten-year study. It turns out that 66% of oil field worker fatalities result from vehicle collisions and equipment contact.

Fatal vehicle accidents

When you consider that oil field trucks are carrying combustible cargo, the stakes are higher. All large trucks risk heavy loads, blind spots, and sudden traffic changes. Semi-trucks are more difficult to maneuver at max load because of weight.

Of the 66% statistic, nearly half of those fatalities come from vehicle collisions. If the loaded material is already more dangerous, it should follow that safety regulations are more carefully practiced. However, oil field truck accidents may arise from:

• Fatigue from inadequate rest time.
• Overscheduling a driver due to demand.
• Improper safety protocols.
• Lack of training.

Vehicle accidents are never planned. Still, when driving for a company, mandatory safety measures should be emphasized.

Dangerous heavy equipment

The oil field environment naturally requires several pieces of heavy machinery. The equipment used to produce oil is heavy and potentially dangerous, from extraction and refinery to transportation and waste disposal.

Navigating the workplace amid this dangerous equipment requires extensive training. If you’re an oil field worker who has been injured, you may be wondering what you can do. In that case, learning the laws regarding worker’s compensation may help you protect your rights.