by jessica.freeburg@thomsonreuters.com | Aug 21, 2019 | Oilfield Accidents

Oil rig workers face a lot of hazards at work, many of which are frightening. The risk of suffering a traumatic brain injury has to be taken seriously. Unfortunately, it isn’t always possible to eliminate the risks that something will happen, but it is imperative that all employers in this industry take the time to reduce them as much as possible.

One way to minimize risk is to require workers to wear a hard hat when on the rig. This provides a level of cushion and some shock absorption that can protect the brain. Still, they might suffer a brain injury on the rig in a fall or if something strikes them on the head. Explosions are another risk on an oil rig that can lead to a traumatic brain injury.

Some, but not all, effects are immediate

A person who has a traumatic brain injury may experience immediate effects, but it is also possible that they will appear over time. Loss of consciousness is a symptom that will usually occur right away in some injuries. It is troubling to think that it can occur days or even weeks later, but this is possible. One example of this is if you have a very slow brain bleed. As the pressure increases on the brain, you can pass out.

A headache, trouble communicating and confusion are also possible. These will usually occur right away or over the period immediately following the injury. You might not realize that you are having trouble communicating or that you are more confused than usual. Others might notice this or that you are more moody.

Medical care must be a priority

While you are on the rig, it isn’t going to be easy to get medical care but you must make it a priority. The injury may be worse than it seems so you have to keep a close eye on it. You might have to take it easy for a few days if you were hit on the head or something similar happened.

Explore your options for receiving compensation. Since you work on an oil rig in Texas, there might be special considerations to factor into your decision.

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by jessica.freeburg@thomsonreuters.com | Jul 21, 2019 | Oilfield Accidents

If you work in the oil and gas industry in Texas, you probably already know that you face danger every time you set foot in the oilfield. While this industry does carry significant risk, it also typically pays wages that make the risk worth it. However, not every oilfield job carries the same amount of risk. For instance, a geographic information system (GIS) specialist may not face the same kind of dangers as someone that does maintenance on the derrick.

Where does your oilfield stand compared to other positions? Are you at a greater risk of an on-the-job injury than other workers? You could be if you work in one the most dangerous oilfield jobs described below.

Derrick hands

Derrick hands spend their time keeping a close eye on the drill pipes and supervising the machine while it bores into the drilling hole. In addition, they are responsible for the maintenance and repairs of various other pieces of machinery present on the drill site. This means that if something goes wrong on the scene, the derrick hand has a high probability of being in the line of fire. Moreover, derrick hands have to work in a variety of less than ideal weather conditions. From extreme heat to high winds, the derrick hands have to be able to operate in rough conditions to ensure the derrick continues to operate at capacity.

Roustabouts

Roustabouts are typically the first-year, entry-level workers that do the brunt of the physical labor on an oil site. Usually, these workers do not have a high level of technical knowledge about the derrick or other oilfield equipment. However, they also have to work in hard conditions and around machinery that poses a danger. Like derrick hands, they have a high chance of suffering a catastrophic accident if equipment malfunctions.

Oilfield drivers

The oil and gas industry is very attractive to people looking for driving jobs due to the extended working hours and potential to make good money in a fairly short amount of time. Unfortunately, many drivers end up working in shifts of more than 20 hours which causes the workers to become drowsy and increases the risk of an accident. In addition, since trucks are constantly on the move, that leave very little time for vehicle maintenance, Also, many companies take shortcuts when it comes to regularly inspecting and repairing trucks. Drowsy drivers plus poorly maintained vehicles can easily lead to serious accidents.

If you work in the oil and gas industry and have suffered an oilfield injury, understand that you have options. You might be able to take legal action to recover lost wages and win compensation for your injuries and other damages.

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by jessica.freeburg@thomsonreuters.com | Mar 21, 2019 | Oilfield Accidents

While the government has many initiatives in place to try and keep all employees safe at work, some industries inherently have more risk than others. The oil and gas extraction and support industries tend to include high-risk activities and environments.

In 2011, more than 450,000 people were employed in these industries, and between 2003 and 2010, 823 workers were killed while at work. The Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries found that workers in these industries had a fatality rate of seven times the national average.

If you are a worker in the oil and gas industry, you will probably want to be aware of the risks associated with your work. Doing so will help you to be more conscious of hazards and exposure prevention. With extensive knowledge about these issues, you will be able to take appropriate action if you do become adversely affected by your working conditions.

What are the most common causes of injuries for oil and gas workers?

Workers in the oil and gas industry are more at risk of being involved in explosions and fires. These can occur without warning and can pose a significant danger. It is vital that oil and gas workers are trained in fire prevention, and there should also be a protocol in place for reacting to explosions or fires.

Additionally, vehicle and machinery accidents are a common cause of injuries and fatalities. Getting caught in machinery can have the potential to cause life-changing injuries. These tragic incidents can also be prevented through adequate training and maintenance of equipment.

Toxic exposure may not often cause immediate injury, but it can lead to chronic health issues and occupational diseases. You should make sure that you are aware of any chemicals that you are at risk of being exposed to in your workplace. You should also question whether any health problems that you have could have been caused or worsened by the toxic chemicals in your working environment.

As an oil and gas worker, you should make sure that you understand your rights regarding making a personal injury claim after a workplace accident. Suffering from injuries can take a toll on finances. Therefore, compensation is vital to ensure that you can move forward with your life.

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by jessica.freeburg@thomsonreuters.com | Jul 2, 2018 | Oilfield Accidents

There is no secret about the dangers of oil fields. These workplaces are unpredictable and can have hazards that lead to fatal workplace injuries.

The oil industry is a high-hazard industry. What this means is that people who work in it are at a higher likelihood of injury or death as a result of accidents on the job. The Bureau of Labor Statistics showed that the rate of fatal injuries at work in the United States was around three out of 100,000 full-time workers in 2014. In the oil and gas industry, the rates were as much as five times higher than that. In 2014, 142 people in the gas and oil sector died from injuries they suffered at work.

Has the oil industry gotten safer?

It’s hard to say if it’s gotten better or worse. In a recent National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) report, there were 602 incidents that resulted in injuries between Jan. 2015 and Feb. 2017. Some incidents occur because of drivers who fall asleep behind the wheel and wreck their vehicles. Others occur because of heavy equipment being assembled or disassembled incorrectly.

To address the potential for drivers to fall asleep, many companies now have monitors in the vehicles. These allow employers to track their drivers and make sure they’re traveling safely without distractions, aggression or reckless behaviors.

It’s believed that another reason there are so many injuries and deaths in this field is because of the culture. Many oil and gas workers have few skills and may stay quiet to keep their large paychecks. As of 2015, even low-skilled workers could make upwards of $100,000. That’s money a worker would hate to lose by making an enemy of his or her employer.

Why is it vital to record data about injuries?

It’s difficult to track every injury in this industry because of the classifications of workers. Driver injuries might be tracked by codes other than those used for the oil and gas industry, slightly reducing the totals for the number of injuries or deaths reported.

Between Jan. 2015 and Feb. 2017, there were 481 people hospitalized and 166 total amputations performed. With better data collection, it’s going to be easier to find out exactly what causes the majority of accidents in the oil and gas industry and how to better address the issues that cause them. With additional data and information, it’s easier to keep workers safe and to prevent further injuries or deaths in the oil and gas industry.

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by Dilley Law Firm | Jun 7, 2018 | Oilfield Accidents

Workers employed on onshore oil rigs in Texas risk their lives every day. From chemical hazards to environmental and structural hazards, these work environments are some of the most dangerous in the country. Most of the dangers that cause oilfield accidents can be averted by taking some precautions.

The fact that petroleum and chemicals such as hydrogen sulfide are highly flammable makes fires on oil rigs the most significant safety hazard. Furthermore, unaddressed pressure can cause deadly explosions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says a considerable percentage of onshore oil field fatalities involve falls from elevated levels, but dropped tools that strike other workers cause even more deaths. For this reason, it is crucial for workers to wear hard hats.

A variety of dangerous machinery on oil rigs pose hazards to those who are not adequately trained to operate them. Along with the drill, dangers are posed by spinning machine parts and cranes or forklifts that are used as support units. Excessive noise makes communication difficult, and many cases of workers crushed by machinery are reported. Electrocution is also the cause of many deaths on oil rigs. The long shifts these employees work, from seven to 14 days without breaks, can cause fatigue that slows their reaction times, increasing the chances of accidents and resulting injuries.

Families who lost loved ones in oilfield accidents might be unsure of their rights to seek financial relief. They can get answers to all their questions from an experienced Texas personal injury and wrongful death attorney. A lawyer can investigate the circumstances that led to the fatal accident, suggest the possible sources of compensation and provide the necessary support and guidance throughout ensuing legal proceedings.

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by punith.s@thomsonreuters.com | May 30, 2018 | Oilfield Accidents

There’s no denying that those who work on offshore drilling rigs have dangerous, arduous jobs. The industry is pocked by catastrophic explosions like 2010’s Deepwater Horizon ignition and subsequent oil spill that killed 11 and jeopardized wildlife and countless individuals living along the Gulf Coast.

But while these type of offshore accidents typically garner a great deal of press coverage, there are countless other incidents that threaten the lives and well-being of those who work in the offshore oil industry. Because these occurrences draw far less media attention, they often go unreported.

But to those who die as a result and the loved ones they leave behind, these incidents are still significant and traumatic.

Exxon Mobil’s denial of claim

Earlier this year, Texas-based Exxon Mobil Corp. denied liability in a wrongful death claim filed by the survivor of an offshore oil worker. The 30-year-old died when he was overcome by toxic fumes inside of an oil storage tank in a western state.

The Glendive, Montana, resident died in 2010. At the time of his death, he was working for Nabors Industries, an Exxon contractor.

The spokesperson for Exxon claims that the worker’s autopsy indicated that he died of natural causes. However, in the years following her partner’s death, the worker’s common-law spouse read a media account of another worker who died under similar circumstances. Suspecting negligence on the part of the oil giant, she filed a claim.

Exxon’s response

The oil corporation cited the autopsy results when denying the plaintiff’s claim. However, the attorney for the plaintiff cited similar cases in the industry where workers succumbed to toxic fumes contained in the storage tanks the workers were inspecting.

The disposition of the case at this point is undetermined.

Grief can cloud decisions in the wake of oilfield deaths

When a loved one dies suddenly in an offshore accident, it can be difficult for survivors to cast off their grief and focus on the legal ramifications of a worker’s death. But those who face similar circumstances where a breadwinner died as a result of working conditions on an oil rig or other industry site can seek civil justice by pursuing a wrongful death claim.

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by lainie.little@thomsonreuters.com | Jan 30, 2018 | Oilfield Accidents

A rig explosion can result in disaster for any worker who is near the site of a blast, making oil field safety a priority. Nevertheless, it seems that some oil companies and drilling contractors are not taking appropriate measures to keep their workers safe.

One drilling contractor in particular, which operates drilling sites in New Mexico, North Dakota, Colorado, Texas and Pennsylvania, has committed some serious safety errors over the last decade resulting in the deaths of ten workers.

Patterson-UTI associated with numerous worker deaths

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has fined the oil drilling contractor Patterson-UTI close to $367,000 during the last decade for over 140 OSHA safety violations. The company has also seen ten of its workers die in the same timeframe due to workplace accidents. The most recent Patterson-UTI accident happened last week after a rig explosion claimed the lives of five workers.

Patterson-UTI claims that it has made great strides in improving its worker safety record, saying, “In recent years, we have invested millions of dollars on training and protective equipment and worked to instill a company-wide culture where safety is the top priority of each employee.”

Nevertheless, in 2008, a U.S. Senate committee referred to Patterson-UTI as one of the biggest violators of workplace safety regulations in the United States. During the time of that study, 13 workers had been killed during a four-year period of time in Texas oil rig accidents.

In this most recent accident, a blast happened after a natural gas drilling facility began to leak and then caught fire. An employee attempted to shut the drilling well down, but did not succeed. The following day, five deceased workers were found in the “dog house,” a room in the rig reserved as the drilling crew’s office.

Was your loved one killed in an oil field accident?

Unfortunately, deaths at oil fields and oil drilling sites are more common than they should be in Texas. In the event that someone dies in such an accident, family members may wish to investigate the reasons why the accident occurred. They may also want to learn about their legal right to receive family member death benefits, and the strength and viability of pursuing a wrongful death lawsuit relating to their loved one’s death.

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