What are some occupational dangers that oil and gas workers face?

There are many professions out there that are inherently dangerous. Oil and gas extraction jobs are two of the more notable ones. There are many different hazards that workers in this industry have to contend with if they want to keep from getting hurt or losing their life.

The individuals employed in this industry are generally forced to travel significant distances into remote areas to get to their work sites. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) data shows that 40% of the workplace fatalities that occur in this industry are caused by auto accidents.

Oil and gas extraction workers are often required to climb and work from equipment or platforms that sit up high off the ground. While they’re supposed to be trained in appropriate fall prevention techniques and given the right safety gear, this often doesn’t occur. This makes these workers vulnerable to falling to their deaths or otherwise getting seriously injured.

Another danger that oil and gas workers face is the risk of becoming involved in caught-in or between or struck-by objects. OSHA data shows that three out of every five fatal on-the-job incidents in this industry are caused by one of the above-referenced events. Some of the more common hazards that oil and gas workers have to worry about striking them include falling high-pressure lines or equipment and moving machinery or vehicles.

One of the other big concerns that workers in this industry have to worry about is an explosion or fire. Individuals employed in this industry regularly work around flammable gases and vapors. It doesn’t take much to ignite any of them. Employers in this field are supposed to train their staff about the dangers of lighting cigarettes, conducting static electricity and using welding tools. Many don’t do this. Others may warn their workers about these concerns, yet not enforce the rules that were created to keep everyone safe.

The dangers that oil and gas industry workers face on the job are countless. This is one of the reasons why San Antonio residents and others employed in this industry get paid more than workers who have similar educational experiences but hold less-risky jobs. An attorney can advise you of your right to workers’ compensation here in Texas if you’ve been hurt while on the job.