The oil and gas industry in Texas is one of the largest providers of jobs in the state, employing over 30,000 people. Even as the U.S. continues research to decrease its reliance on oil, it continues to be one of the most in-demand fuels available. Texas takes the spotlight as a leading domestic provider of oil with its various oilfields.
But working in the oilfield industry is not one of the safest jobs. Oilfield accidents are on the rise for employees in various positions, and accidents can result in severe injuries or even death. If you or a loved one have been involved in an oilfield accident, get in contact with a Houston oilfield injuries attorney today.
Common Job Positions Involved in Oilfield Accidents
Oilfield employees carry out various tasks and work with heavy equipment and machinery, including derricks, drills and oil rigs. Most positions involve manual labor and tasks or equipment that can be dangerous. Common oilfield job positions that are involved in accidents on the job include:
- Derrick operators
- Roustabouts
- Rotary drill and engine operators
- Gas treaters
- Pumpers
The nature of the job puts employees at higher risk of accidents and injuries than many other industries. There are various electrical, mechanical and even chemical aspects of these jobs that can be dangerous when safety protocol is not followed or utilized.
Types of Oilfield Accident Injuries
Given the vast amount of equipment and tasks involved in the oilfield industry, many different types of injuries may result from an accident on the job. Common injuries seen in oilfield accidents are:
- Burns from fires, explosions, and chemicals
- Back and spinal cord injuries
- Moderate to severe cuts
- Fume exposure
- Broken bones
- Paralysis
- Wrongful death
The injuries sustained from oilfield accidents depend on the nature of the accident and the equipment, chemicals or other factors involved. Unfortunately, most equipment, machinery, and processes involved are capable of causing serious and sometimes permanent injury.
Oilfield Accident Causes
Many times, oilfield accidents are caused by lack of safety protocol and other negligent employer actions. Most accidents in the industry are caused by:
- Improper or incomplete training
- Violations of OSHA safety code
- Falls
- Explosions
- Gas leaks
- Broken or defective equipment and machinery
- Unsafe work conditions
Your employer is responsible for ensuring its operations are safe for its employees. Negligence can result in serious injuries and death of workers, especially in oil fields with heavy, dangerous equipment.
Help is Available from a Houston Oilfield Injuries Attorney
Workers’ compensation and other compensation benefits are often available to injured oilfield workers. Accidents in this industry are common and employers are expected to provide compensation for injured workers when safety violations and negligence lead to these injuries. Ricardo N. Gonzalez & Associates has over 30 years of experience representing injured employees and fighting for fair compensation.
Our top priorities are our clients, their safety, their recovery and their compensation. Call 713-429-1971 or fill out our contact form online today to schedule your free initial consultation or for more information about oilfield injuries representation.
