Stress and injuries par for the course in the oil fields

Oil field workers in Texas who do not receive sufficient safety training and proper personal protective equipment are at risk of suffering severe injuries or worse. Although most oil field accidents are preventable, violations of safety standards often lead to oil field accidents. Oil drilling is one of the most dangerous industries in the United States.

The diverse divisions of oil and gas works involve dangerous equipment and machinery, hazardous materials and traveling long distances. Each aspect of oil extractions poses unique hazards. Motor vehicle accidents make up most fatalities in the oil and gas industry, primarily because most drill rigs are remote. Struck-by, caught-between and caught-in accidents are next on the list, often caused by malfunctioning equipment and prevented by proper maintenance programs.

The prevalence of flammable gasses released from wells and equipment could cause a blaze or explosion in the blink of an eye. Falls make up a significant percentage of injuries and deaths because many tasks on a drill rig involve elevated levels. Similarly, many workers have to enter confined spaces, risking being overwhelmed by the hazardous fumes from chemicals and gases.

Texas workers who earn their incomes from working in the oil fields face many more safety risks. If their employers comply with prescribed safety standards, they might escape being victims of oil field accidents. However, those who do suffer work-related injuries would likely be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits to cover their medical expenses and a portion of lost wages. When lives are lost, the surviving families can claim death benefits to cover costs related to end-of-life arrangements.