Home » 7 Types of Common Oilfield Accidents and Injuries
According to the CDC’s most recent confirmed figures, Oilfield Accidents fatality rate occurs at over one hundred and eight deaths per year, with an average workplace fatality rate of 25 out of one hundred thousand workers. The causes of injuries and fatalities at these job sites may be widely varied in nature, but what they have in common is the extreme danger they pose to people in near proximity. The frequency of wrongful deaths, and the severity of the non-fatal injuries that occur make oilfield accidents more complicated than many workers’ compensation claim events.
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Though by no means an exhaustive list, the following are common accidents and their resulting injuries on oilfield worksites:
- Fracking – The process of injecting highly pressurized water deep underground creates unstable environments. The process can result in chemical spills and requires the use of extremely powerful equipment that is extremely dangerous with any malfunction or error. Very severe harm, including complications due to toxic exposure and various impact injuries, is common.
- Fumes, Asphyxiation, Toxic Exposure – Work in confined spaces can lead to terrible injuries to the respiratory and circulatory system as workers come in contact with heavy metals, toxic waste, hazardous chemicals and more.
- Heavy Machinery Malfunction – Large cranes, earth movers, rig apparatus and more are all extremely large and heavy pieces of machinery. When they break or malfunction, the event itself or the subsequent repair attempts can cause serious injuries.
- Slip and Falls – Treacherous temporary work spaces and slippery spaces contribute frequent slip and fall injuries on oil rigs. The fast paced nature of the work and long days for workers make for dangerous conditions and fatigued workers susceptible to injury.
- Falls from Heights – Rigging equipment and drilling setups pose risks for workers who are building, making adjustments, or working in the field. Weather and other hazards can contribute to difficult conditions that workers must navigate from significant heights. Falls may result in extremely severe injuries, including traumatic brain injury, paralysis or even death.
- Truck and Motor Vehicle Accidents – Just like any roadway, the possibility of motor vehicle collision poses a risk to the safety and well being of drivers and passengers. This is true on job sites as well, and particularly so in cases where the terrain is rough and the surrounding environment is a volatile active work site. Resulting injuries range from mild to severe, including whiplash, cuts and bruises, contusions, head injuries, broken or fractured bones and more.
- Fire, explosion, and Well Blow-Out Accidents – These dangerous events often result in burns, eye and ear injuries, lacerations, and in the event that an explosion throws an individual, injuries can also include head, neck, back, whiplash, broken bone injuries and more.
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Injured in Oilfield Accidents?
If you or someone you love has suffered an injury while working in an oilfield or on a rig, there is no reason to delay. Discussing your situation with an experienced oilfield personal injury attorney can not only provide you resources for seeking your deserved compensation but can also get you on the path to recovery and healing. Expert accident attorneys like the team at Thompson Law know how to take care of people injured in tragic workplace accidents, and are passionate about helping these individuals heal and move forward in their lives while securing fair and just compensation for the ordeal.
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The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Texas is two years, so if you have been injured in an oilfield accident, consult with an experienced personal injury attorney. The sooner you know your options, the sooner you are on the path to recovery and your deserved compensation. Call the 4’s right away for assistance with your injury and claim: 214-444-4444, 817-444-4444, 972-444-4444, or 469-444-4444. The Fours are here for you! Call The Fours!
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