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Are Deaths On The Rise For Oilfield Workers?

Friday, May 29th, 2020
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Even with the pandemic that we are experiencing worldwide, wrongful death and accidents in oilfields are still a real possibility. With the demand for oil and gas, companies can be tempted to cut corners and ignore safety precautions. This inevitably puts their workers at risk of getting hurt and can sometimes lead to a preventable death.

Oilfield accident statistics

According to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), there were 489 workers from the oil and gas industry that died on the job from 2013 – 2017. This number includes extraction workers as well as haulers of crude oil and natural gas.

Types of accidents that can occur at an oilfield include falls, chemical exposures, confined spaces, and explosions or fires. There can even be injuries and death on the highway during transportation. In Texas, US-285 is known as “Death Highway” for this reason.

The oilfield safety standard

OSHA standardized safety regulations have been opposed by industry lobby groups. This is mostly due to the fact that it would increase expenses to instate and enforce these standardized regulations. As a result, the oil and gas industry still doesn’t have an industry standard when it comes to safety. They rely on a generalized industry standard, which doesn’t apply well to the hazards of oilfield work.

What rights do oilfield workers have?

Workers in any industry have the right to work in conditions that don’t pose a serious risk to themselves or others. They can also file a complaint to OSHA and ask them to inspect the place of work if they believe there is a hazard. OSHA keeps identities confidential so that workers don’t have to worry about losing their job.

We will have to wait to see if the deaths of oilfield workers will increase. However, loved ones of workers understand that even one injury or death is too many, especially in cases where it could have been prevented.

Oilfield workers may be completely aware of the dangers of their job, but this awareness doesn’t lead to protection

If you or a loved one have been injured in the oilfield and would like information about filing a claim or suit, speaking with an experienced attorney is your best option. The office of Attorney Dean Boyd can help. Contact us by calling (806) 242-3333 or Send Us an email to learn about our Oilfield Accident services. You can also visit with us in person at 4423 SW 45th Ave in Amarillo, Texas or 10623 Quaker Ave #102 in Lubbock, Texas.

*The content on this website is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. Viewing this information does not establish/constitute an attorney-client relationship with the law firm of Attorney Dean Boyd.