The Daily Risk of Being an Oilfield Worker

On-the-job injuries and deaths are common for workers in the oil and gas industry. Workers in the Gulf of Mexico and along the coasts of Texas are constantly exposed to dangerous working conditions. Roughnecks, derrickmen, drillers, offshore workers, seamen, and dockworkers often suffer injuries caused by dangerous conditions on rigs, platforms, spars, tankers, and other vessels. Gas explosions, faulty safety equipment, and other workers’ negligence frequently result in death or leave oil field workers with life-altering injuries.

The recent boom in domestic oil and gas production has not been without significant costs. Since 2007, approximately 663 oil and gas field workers have been killed nationwide. Gas and oil field workplace deaths in Texas alone account for 40 percent of these fatalities. Similarly, the number of severe injuries is on the rise. According to a Houston Chronicle investigation, in 2012, 79 gas and oil field workers lost limbs, 82 workers were crushed, 92 suffered burns, and 675 suffered broken bones.

Oilfield accidents occur nearly every day in Texas. If you were injured in a workplace incident due to another’s carelessness or negligence, reach out to us at 214-496-5224 or read more here.

While many factors play into these deaths and injuries, the most common are outdated equipment, green employees, careless employers, and poor regulation. Another common factor is lack of government oversight. It has been over 20 years since the federal government has implemented safety standards for onshore oil and gas drilling. Moreover, Texas has only 95 OSHA inspectors for all of its drilling sites.

The Jones Act and other maritime laws establish the rights of offshore workers who are injured or killed due to dangerous work conditions. Many state and federal regulations also protect injured land-based gas and oil field workers. With the help of the Jones Act, the attorneys at Lovins Law are prepared to take on the oil and gas companies, shipping companies, and their insurance companies to protect the legal rights of injured individuals and their families. If you or a family member have been seriously injured or killed working offshore or in the field, contact us immediately at 214-496-5224 for a free consultation.