Common Injuries Sustained In Oil Fields

Injuries that occur in the oil field are typically the result of exposure to hazardous materials, slip, falls, or being struck by an object. Workers in the oil industry are at high risk for workplace injuries. Many dangers are associated with this type of work, including equipment malfunctions, dangerous chemicals, and exposure to extreme temperatures. Workers may also be injured while operating heavy machinery or working in confined spaces. If you or someone you know is injured in an oil field, you should contact a Houston oilfield accident lawyer. 

Common injuries sustained in oil fields

1. Slips and fall

Slips and falls in oil fields typically occur when workers are not using proper safety equipment or not following safety procedures. Common causes of slips and falls include walking on slippery surfaces, not using handrails, and not wearing proper footwear.

2. Burns

Oil field burns can occur in several ways, but most commonly happen when flammable liquids or gases are released and come into contact with an ignition source. This can happen during drilling, fracking, or other operations. Burns can also occur if equipment fails or is not maintained correctly.

3. Chemical exposure

There are many ways that chemical exposure accidents can occur in oil fields. Some of the most common ways include:

• Inhalation of toxic fumes
• Contact with skin or eyes
• Ingestion of contaminated water or food
• Exposure to hazardous chemicals during maintenance or repair work

4. Equipment Malfunction

There are many ways that equipment malfunctions can occur in oil fields. Some of the most common ways are due to poor maintenance, inadequate safety procedures, and human error.

5. Rig collapse

There are many potential causes of a collapse accident in an oil field, including but not limited to the following:

• A build-up of methane gas or other flammable/explosive materials
• A weakness in the underground strata that supports the structure
• Heavy rainfall or other forms of severe weather
• An earthquake or other seismic event
• A fire

6. Fire and explosion

One of the most common causes of fire and explosion accidents in oil fields is equipment failure. This can occur when pipes or other components of the equipment break or leak, causing flammable liquid or gas to escape and come into contact with an ignition source. Other causes of fire and explosion accidents in oil fields include human error, such as workers forgetting to turn off equipment or failing to follow safety procedures.