How Often Do Injuries Occur in the Permian Basin?

The Permian Basin is a busy area for oil workers and companies, which means that the risk of serious injuries is rather high. Depending on the circumstances, injuries on an oilfield or rig can range from relatively minor to deadly. Oilfield workers handle heavy machinery, are exposed to dangerous chemicals, and work at high heights. These and countless other risks make it a dangerous place to work.

Injuries can happen to non-workers as well. Increased traffic from commercial trucks and oilfield-related activity leads to higher car crashes and fatalities. Understanding these risks and how to handle an injury can help a victim protect their health and legal rights.

The Permian Basin: A Short History

The Permian Basin is located in West Texas and is next to southeastern New Mexico. Its name derives from the fact that it has the world’s thickest deposits of Permian geologic period rocks.¹ The area is appropriately 300 miles long and 250 miles wide. It is a large sedimentary basin, making it a perfect place for oil and gas companies. The Permian Basin is a major gas- and oil-producing area of the state. It is composed of more than 7,000 oilfields. Oil and gas rigs drill from depths of just a few hundred feet up to five miles below the surface.

Within the Permian Basin are the Delaware Basin and Midland Basin. Recent enhanced-recovery practices for oil and gas have created a boom and a substantial effect on U.S. oil production. The area produced an average of 4.2 barrels of crude oil per day in 2019. The area is home to millions of residents and thousands of oil field workers.

Understanding the Dangers of Oilfield Employment

Too many workers and others are hurt because of the oil industry in the Permian Basin. These dangers exist not only in the oilfields themselves but in other areas where their activity extends. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has identified a great many reasons why these fields are so dangerous, including:²

Fires and explosions: Oilfields and drilling rigs contain explosive materials such as petroleum, crude oil, and natural gas. These volatile substances and countless others may catch fire or explode because of errant sparks, static electricity, or even employee negligence. The resulting fires can destroy property, cause severe burns, or lead to death.
Pinning accidents: Pinning and crush injuries are a constant danger on oilfield sites. Heavy machinery can land on a person’s body or limb, destroying it. Fingers can get caught in pinch points and cause amputation.
Slip and falls: Oilfields in the Permian Basin are filled with slippery surfaces or high areas from which workers can fall. Major falls can lead to traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and severe injuries.
Loud sounds: Industrial sites like oilfields are typically loud places to work. Over time, these loud sounds can damage a person’s hearing. Explosions or unexpectedly loud noises can cause acute hearing damage or even deafness.
Breathing hazards: Oilfield employees and those around them are exposed to dangerous gases that can damage the lungs. Gases such as hydrogen sulfide, diesel fumes, and even carbon monoxide may cause incredible damage.
Shocks and electrocution: The risk of severe electrocution is high on oilfields. High-powered tools, pumps, and much more use high-voltage currents to operate. Degraded power lines or exposed currents can electrocute and harm employees. Electric shocks can range from slightly painful to instantly deadly.

These and many other dangers demonstrate how hazardous working at or living near an oilfield can be. Workers and residents in the Permian Basin need to understand these potential dangers, how to avoid them, and what to do after an accident.³

Permian Basin Injury Statistics

The oil industry requires workers to operate in unpredictable and often dangerous conditions. Lack of supervision or machine maintenance could kill workers or innocent bystanders. The following numbers give a small indication of the dangers Permian Basin workers and residents face from oil industry accidents.

Oil and gas extraction continues to be one of the top 10 most dangerous occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.⁵
In 2017, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that 69 fatalities occurred in the oil and gas industry, with 44 of these happening in Texas.⁴
A report by the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers says there were 25 deaths in 22 separate incidents in 2019. The apparent reduction was attributed to a decrease in work as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, not any increase in safety.

Dangerous Roads and the “Death Highway”

Any road can be dangerous if a negligent driver gets behind the wheel. Motor vehicle accidents can lead to severe harm or death. Here in the Permian Basin, one road is known to be especially dangerous. Route 285 is often coined the “Death Highway” by residents because of the high number of accidents and fatalities involved. Other roads with high rates of accidents include:

State Highway 302
State Highway 18
State Highway 114
Interstate 20
U.S. Highway 385

This road and many others in the Permian Basin are more dangerous because they are used by oil companies to transport supplies and products. Large commercial vehicles often run others off the road or cause devastating collisions, leading to catastrophic injuries and death.

Next Steps After a Permian Basin Accident

Workers and residents alike deserve to be safe and free from harm. Unfortunately, the dangers of oilfields are very real and can lead to incredible harm. Workers may have rights within a workers’ compensation system or a third-party claim related to their employment. Other residents may have claims against oil companies, drivers, and other negligent parties that harmed them.

The Permian Basin can be a dangerous place to work and live, but injured victims do have rights. A personal injury attorney can help explain those rights and advise on next steps.

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Morris & Dewett provides this information to the public for general education and interest. The firm does not represent clients in every topic discussed in answers to frequent questions. The information is curated and produced based on questions commonly asked or search terms commonly used. Every effort is made to provide accurate information. Do not make any decision solely based on the information provided, please seek relevant counsel for each topic area. Consult an attorney before making any legal decision, consult a doctor before making any medical decision, and consult a financial advisor before making any fiscal decision. Information provided is not legal advice. If you have any legal needs, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are pleased to assist you.