The oil industry provides steady employment for people across the state of Texas. It’s a global business and the opportunities are almost limitless.
However, oil workers do face a number of hazards in the field, particularly from toxic gasses. Outlined below are some of the more common dangerous gasses and the risks that they pose.
Petroleum
Petroleum is used to power most vehicles and it is commonly found in oil fields. If employees are exposed to fumes from this gas on a regular basis, they could suffer detrimental effects on their long-term health. Petroleum exposure also poses some risks in the short term. If there is a leak in the field and workers are exposed to high concentrations of gas, they could suffer severe injuries and even be killed.
Mercury
Drilling occurs on most oil platforms, which means that harmful substances can become airborne. Mercury vapor is a real concern for workers because it is poisonous and can be fatal. Constant exposure to this substance can result in a diminishment in the central nervous system as well as kidney failure and other health complications.
Explosive risks
The majority of gasses found on oil rigs are extremely flammable. All it takes for a devastating explosion to occur is one leak or a minor human error. Companies and colleagues have a duty to reduce these risks as much as possible.
If you’ve been injured when carrying out your duties then you may be entitled to legal compensation for your suffering. Getting in touch with someone experienced in the field of workplace accidents will give you a better idea of your options.