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What Makes Oilfield Jobs Dangerous?

Oilfield jobs are dangerous for many reasons. There are countless hazards on the job site, the risk of inexperienced coworkers, and some companies that prioritize profit over employee safety. Accidents on the site can lead to catastrophic harm or even a person’s death. Oil workers put their lives on the line every day simply by showing up to work. Despite the dangers, these individuals often choose this work because of the potential for high pay and bonuses.

Oil companies push workers to produce more and work faster than ever. This leads to cutting corners and failing to protect those on the job, which increases danger and can make oilfield accidents even more likely.

More Oilfield Workers Every Day

Oil production continues to be a lucrative field in high demand. As companies in Texas and Louisiana continue to drill, they also need more workers to meet their requirements. Based on one report from the Texas Oil & Gas Association, Texas oil companies added over 1,000 new jobs each month in 2023, with 14,300 jobs added by September of last year.

The drive for more workers and more production often increases the risks oil workers already face. These workers deserve protection and a safe working environment.  All too often, however, they find an extremely dangerous workplace that leads to catastrophic injuries.

Why Are Oilfield Jobs So Dangerous?

Oilfield jobs are extremely dangerous for a variety of reasons. Workers are exposed to dangers most other employees would never face. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics determined that oilfield workers suffer injuries at a rate five times higher than most other workers. 

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has identified several reasons oilfield jobs are so dangerous, including:

Vehicle Collisions

Oilfield workers can get hurt in large truck accidents. Oilfields are often filled with dirt and gravel roads on which heavy trucks must travel. These trucks frequently carry oil or other liquid products that are flammable and explosive. The trucks are also dangerous considering their heavy weight and high speed capabilities.

Driver negligence and exhaustion are some of the primary causes of vehicle collisions. Drivers are often forced to work incredibly long hours and are too tired to operate safely. This can lead to crushing injuries or even death at the hands of a negligent driver.

Fires and Explosions

Oil and gas industry workers are exposed to many fire and explosion risks as part of their everyday experience. Oilfields are filled with flammable gases and vapors. These flammable vapors and hydrogen sulfide are released from oil wells, trucks, and other equipment. Static electricity, open flames, cigarettes, and much more can easily ignite these dangerous gases.

Fires can cause horrific burns that take months or years to heal. Explosions can cause burns, loss of limbs, hearing loss, and death. 

Struck-by/Caught-in/Caught-between Accidents

Nearly three out of every five deaths on an oilfield occur because of a struck-by/caught-in/caught-between hazard, according to OSHA. These accidents include incidents such as:

  • Being struck by moving vehicles or equipment
  • Being pinned between heavy objects
  • Being caught in a well or other enclosed area
  • Being struck by high-pressure lines

Slip and Fall Accidents

Oilfield workers are especially vulnerable to slip and fall accidents. Employees have to move across equipment and platforms high above the ground and are surrounded by hazardous equipment. While OSHA requires fall protection and safety gear from high heights, this does not prevent every injury. Some employers fail to provide the proper equipment and may purposely choose not to buy it to save on costs.

Slip and fall accidents are also prevalent because of the many slippery surfaces involved with oilfields. The oil and many other chemicals used in the oil drilling process reduce traction and can lead to severe falls for employees. Workers often have to traverse ladders as well, which can be slippery in wet weather or because of substances on their shoes.

Shocking and Mechanical Hazards

Oilfield workers are frequently exposed to mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic hazards from equipment. Improperly designed or maintained equipment can expose wires, loose high-pressure lines, and other dangers. Employers and supervisors should implement safe operating procedures and regular maintenance schedules, which are often overlooked in the fast-paced oil industry.

Missing lockout/tagout safety devices are a common cause of shock or mechanical hazards. A lockout/tagout is a safety system that prevents employees from being injured by preventing the unexpected start-up of a dangerous machine. These lockout/tagout devices are usually installed on systems that can cause amputation, crush injuries, or other devastating harm if activated at the wrong time.

High-Pressure Equipment

Employees are often exposed to high-pressure equipment on an oilfield. These machines use compressed gases in or from high-pressure lines. These lines may degrade over time and result in bursts or leaks. These high-pressure gases can send lines flying, damage the eyes, or cause scalding. High-pressure line explosions can cause other accidents, such as exposure to chemicals that cause serious skin damage.

Breathing Hazards

Oilfield employees are exposed to many chemicals and gases that can damage their lungs. Smoke from fires, inhalation of toxic chemical fumes, silica dust, and even diesel particulate matter can damage an employee’s lungs over time. Hydrocarbon gases or low-oxygen environments may even cause acute oxygen deprivation and death.

Loud Noises

Oilfields use a lot of loud machinery, hissing compressed gases, and loud tools. Without proper ear protection, this can quickly damage an employee’s hearing. OSHA regulations often require ear protection for decibels above a certain level. Many employers fail to provide ear protection or to supervise its use properly. Loss of hearing can range from minor to complete, depending on the circumstances.

Understanding the Dangers of Oilfields

If you’re an oilfield employee, you understand that you work in a dangerous place, but you may feel unsure about your rights after an injury. The employer or another negligent party may be responsible for your injury. You may be owed substantial compensation, such as medical bills and non-economic damages. It is important to know your rights and seek help when you need to protect them.

Sources:

  1. Texas Oil & Gas Association. Upstream Texas Oil and Natural Gas Sector Adds Another 1,700 Jobs in September, Bringing Total Number of Additional or Recovered Jobs to Nearly 54,000.
  2. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Industries at a Glance. Oil and Gas Extraction: NAICS 211.
  3. U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Safety Hazards Associated With Oil and Gas Extraction Activities.
  4. Occupational Safety and Health Administration. OSHA Fatal Facts No. 2-2012.

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