Did you know that working in an oilfield is one of the world’s top, most dangerous jobs? When you think about the long list of hazardous jobs, it may not have been on your list, but the risk of oilfield accidents doesn’t just cause small injuries. They result in very severe injuries and even death.
The job that oilfield workers do is important and very needed. However, while many are often concerned more about the harm that oilfield accidents cause to the environment, we should be even more concerned about the many lives that are affected by these tragedies.
As you may have guessed, in a work environment such as oilfields, the guidelines that should be followed to keep everyone safe are often overlooked or ignored. Oilfield workers need to be educated on the risks they face daily, how oilfield accidents can happen, and how to avoid them and stay safe.
Common Oilfield Accident Risks
While there are many risks associated with working in an oilfield, a few stand out as the top threats that workers should be aware of. These include:
- Equipment Failures – If you’ve ever seen an oilfield, you’ve probably noticed the huge equipment that is used. You can only imagine if this massive equipment used for drilling or other activities is faulty, how dangerous it can be, leading to severe injuries and even fatalities. Workers must be taught and required to maintain all equipment as well as monitor for themselves if certain equipment is safe to use, hopefully avoiding many future accidents.
- Burns – Different types of burns or explosions are connected to working in an oilfield. Because workers are dealing with gas, it’s not hard to imagine them getting caught in a fire or explosive kind of accident. Contact burns, electrical burns, chemical burns, and more are also kinds of burns that should be discussed, taught to avoid, and educated on what to do if each type of burn occurs. After all, acting fast in these situations can stop a burn from worsening, saving someone’s ability to continue working or live a normal life afterward.
- Slipping and Falling – A simple slip and fall accident doesn’t sound too serious, but if you’re working on an elevated rig, you might think differently. Putting safeguards in place for workers is a must to avoid injuries from a fall.
- Electrocution – Watching out for exposed electrical wires can help minimize the risk of electrocution. Ask your company safety team how often the electrical components are maintained to avoid preventable injury and possibly even death.
- Oil & Gas Truck Accidents – Drivers need to be warned and educated on the need to stay extra cautious in their safe driving, especially when driving in a busy area where workers are operating.
- Gas Poisoning – One gas that is often found in the field is hydrogen sulfide. You can’t see it, which makes it tough to detect. However, workers can experience symptoms like headaches, nausea, and more. Educating workers on the signs and symptoms of this kind of gas poisoning as well as keeping them safe by wearing masks, can help protect workers from this kind of oilfield accident.
Avoiding Oilfield Accidents
Preventing accidents and educating employees on how to stay safe and avoid high-risk situations should be a top priority for all oil companies. Some of the best ways to prevent injury and avoid deadly circumstances are:
- Organize Safety Training – Training employees on oilfield hazards should be the first thing that is done before an employee steps foot on an oilfield. It may not be a favorite pastime of any new employee, but it can educate new hires (and old alike) on how to keep safe. Not only an initial safety training but ongoing safety training for all workers should be required. Reminding workers of possible threats, especially if new equipment is being introduced, is fundamental to keeping everyone safe and working hard for your company.
- Wear Protective Gear – Wearing gloves, a hat/helmet, steel-toed boots, and more is not just good practice. It could save your life or, at the very least, minimize an injury. So always remember to wear your protective equipment, even if it seems like too much work or just one more thing to grab.
- Keep All Equipment, Tools & Work Area Well Maintained – Faulty equipment, a loose railing, broken tools, or a work area that is not kept clean and organized can be extremely risky to workers in and out of the oilfield and other workspaces. Therefore, regular checks and maintenance should not only be a habit for workers but something that must be done as part of the job.
- Teach Employees to Be Vocal About Working Hazards – If equipment is broken or something needs to be changed for safety reasons, encourage workers to communicate these problems to those who can make a change. If no one ever informs management about issues, they can’t be fixed in a timely manner, often after an accident occurs.
The Attorney Team You Can Count On
Taking precautions against possible dangers in the oilfield work environment is vital to the safety and success of oilfield workers across the country. Perhaps you have been injured, or your loved one has died due to an employer’s negligence, lack of employee safety training, failure to enforce safety practices and regulations, or un-maintained and defective equipment. In that case, give Gainsburgh, Benjamin, David, Meunier & Warshauer, L.L.C. a call.
Oilfield accidents can be hazardous and very devastating for oilfield workers, their families, and fellow co-workers. Our attorney team has the skills, experience, and resources to fight for the compensation you deserve and ensure that the safety error is fixed and safety precaution changes are implemented for the future. Give the Gainsburgh, Benjamin, David, Meunier & Warshauer, L.L.C. group a call at (504) 522-2304 to schedule your free consultation today.
We look forward to discussing your options and moving your case along so you can get back to what you do best – enjoying life to the fullest.
