Operating in the oilfield can be exceptionally gratifying and financially rewarding. However, it’s likewise hazardous work. Although the oil and gas industry is highly controlled by federal and Texas state laws to make the oilfield as safe as it can be, oilfield employees are often harmed.
Regretfully, oil field mishaps can be deadly or exceptionally severe in nature.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Texas had the most deadly oil field injuries (40% death). That was an increase of 21% over a five-year duration.
It’s an undeniable fact:
Oil and gas tasks threatened many staff members. In 2007, according to the Bureau of Labor Data, more than 4,000 oil and gas staff members were hurt on the job.
Additionally, in 2008, Texas saw one of the most worker deaths in this industry out of all 50 states. Undoubtedly, a lot of these accidents and oil field injuries could have been avoided.
Because of the high rate of injury, death, and on-the-job mishaps, security needs to be of the highest priority for oil and gas employers. They need to take action to prevent oil field accidents and injuries at every turn, not just to safeguard their staff members, but also to prevent expensive litigation, disability, and employees’ payment claims.
How Accidents Happen
There is an unlimited number of risks and threats in the oil and gas environment, heavy machinery, high-powered devices, toxic chemicals, combustible materials— the list goes on and on. In order for employers and employees to be able to resolve and stay away from these hazards, it is necessary to understand precisely what causes these mishaps to occur.
Most Typical Causes of Texas Oil Field Accidents
Many oil field injuries and mishaps occur because of:
- Inadequately kept equipment or tools
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Defective devices, machinery, or tools
- Chemical fumes and direct exposure
- Inadequate or nonexistent safeguards and safety systems
- Tank surges
- Well blowouts
- Falling items
- Getting stuck between heavy machinery
- Rig collapse
- Transportation occurrences including oil field lorries or trucks
Knowing the ways oil and gas accidents take place can assist employees and companies to be more cognizant of the threats and risks that surround them, so they can work to avoid, manage, and reduce them.
How to Prevent Oil Field Accidents & Avoidance Tips
Have a Training Program in Place
Create a training manual and establish a training program that all staff members need to go through prior to setting foot on the field. The training needs to cover everything from how to keep tools and machinery to the appropriate reactions to fires, falls, and other emergency situations.
Keep The Field Tidy and Clear
When tools are lying around or puddles of liquid are not cleaned up, it can pose a danger for any and all workers in the area. Appoint somebody to do an hourly walkthrough of the whole field to ensure it is safe and hazard-free.
Examine Your Tools and Facilities Regularly
Malfunctioning tools, loose railings, and other areas of disrepair can put your workers at risk. Make sure to examine all your tools, equipment, and facilities routinely to ensure they are safe for use.
Push OSHA Standards
OSHA has stated a lot of guidelines on how to stay safe and avoid injury in the office. They even have standards that specify to the oil and gas industry. Make sure your workers have access to this information by handing out copies of the guidelines or publishing OSHA signs on the walls in break rooms and other locations in your center.
Motivate Sharing
Make certain your workers aren’t scared to speak up if they see an issue. They should be able to tell you or the manager if there are security problems looming, whether they come from a colleague, a risky location of the field, or some other problem. This will guarantee that employees and supervisors can address issues quickly and avoid injuries from taking place.
Although these tips can definitely assist, oil field accidents may still take place. If a mishap takes place on your watch, contact the Law Offices of Joe I. Zaid & Associates today. Our specialist lawyers can assist.
To help avoid oil field injuries and accidents from occurring in the office, employees and companies must take security seriously and be proactive in making sure the workplace is as hazard-free as possible.
Some helpful mishap prevention suggestions consist of:
- Constantly use a self-contained respirator in locations when chemical levels are high.
- Comply with all work environment protocols and procedures.
- Report any incidents to your employer immediately. This helps prevent other employees from being injured in the same manner.
- Constantly use suggested protective devices, consisting of eye masks, helmets, boots, and gloves.
- Ensure all colleagues and coworkers are appropriately trained.
- Never ever operate machinery or equipment that you aren’t trained for. Request help if you require it.
- Make certain to put away all tools, debris, and other products after using them. This avoids them from triggering neighboring workers to slip or fall.
- Routinely examine the workplace, as well as any included machinery and devices, to ensure it remains in working order and is effectively maintained.
While these prevention tips can help guarantee work environment security, they are not extensive. It is necessary for workers and companies to develop their own safety protocols and policies that specifically resolve their on-site threats, risks, and procedures.
Hurt While Dealing With a Texas Oil Field?
If you find yourself in the regrettable position of being hurt while dealing with an oil field, you will be asking, “What are the Steps to Take Following an Oilfield Accident?”
Simply put, just keep in mind these three essential actions:
- Inform your company right away.
- Seek medical attention for your injuries.
- Contact an experienced oil field accident lawyer right now.
If you were injured while working on a Texas oil field, you may be entitled to monetary payment for your medical costs, future treatment, surgical treatments, loss of income, and disability. Injured employees ought to try to find a Texas oil field injury legal representative. A Texas oil field personal injury attorney comprehends the complex federal and Texas state laws that regulate the oil and gas market. An attorney can assist and safeguard your legal rights.
If you or a loved one are associated with a mishap due to the negligence of another party, you should consider employing a personal injury attorney. Contact our experienced oil field mishap lawyers, Joe I. Zaid & Associates in Houston, Texas at (281 )990-5200. We offer customers a totally free case evaluation and will assist you to get the proper medical treatment and settlement for your suffering. Call us now to get going on your case!