Texas is the top oil and gas producer in the United States, accounting for over 40% of the nation’s crude oil production. The oil and gas industry provides over 350,000 high-paying jobs in Texas and is a vital sector of the state’s economy. However, these jobs come with inherent dangers that lead to high rates of workplace injuries and fatalities.
In 2020 alone, the Texas oil and gas industry had over 1000 recordable injuries just among exploration and production workers. Experts say the actual totals are likely higher when factoring in oilfield services and drilling contractors. Make no mistake – working in oil and gas extraction is one of the most hazardous professions nationwide.
This article will take an in-depth look at the safety risks faced by Texas oil and gas workers.
Hazardous Conditions in Oil and Gas Extraction
Oil and gas workers face a multitude of safety risks on the jobsite. Extraction activities often take place outdoors in remote locations, exposing workers to the elements. Sites can be muddy, slippery, and full of tripping hazards. Noise levels from heavy machinery are extremely high. Noxious fumes, vapors, and dust are also common.
The most hazardous tasks include:
- Drilling new wells
- Servicing existing wells
- Moving drilling rigs and heavy equipment
- Collecting and transporting materials
- Construction activities
Workers must frequently climb tall structures, work at heights, and handle high-pressure equipment and flammable materials. Long shifts and fatigue can also compromise safety.
Common Oil and Gas Industry Injuries
These dangerous conditions directly translate into high injury rates. The most common oil and gas injuries include:
- Fractures from slips, trips and falls
- Back injuries and sprains from lifting and manual handling
- Burns from explosions, fires, and scalding chemicals
- Respiratory issues from chemical and dust exposure
- Hearing loss and damage from excessive noise
- Head and eye injuries from workplace accidents
- Amputations and cuts from heavy machinery
- Motor vehicle crashes
In addition, oil and gas workers face long-term health risks such as:
- Cancer from chemical exposures like benzene and asbestos
- Lung disease such as silicosis from silica dust inhalation
- Chronic musculoskeletal disorders from repetitive motions and awkward postures
- PTSD, anxiety, and depression from traumatic events and injuries
Proper safety protocols are essential to mitigate both immediate accident risks as well as long-term occupational illnesses.
Alarming Injury Statistics in Texas
Federal data shows the reality of workplace dangers in Texas’s oil and gas industry:
- In 2020, Texas accounted for over 25% of all oil and gas extraction worker injuries nationwide.
- The oil and gas industry in Texas had a nonfatal occupational injury rate of 1.2 per 100 full-time workers in 2020. Fatality rates are also extremely high. The data shows a fatality rate of 3.9 per 100,000 workers, which is higher than the average across all US industries.
- Motor vehicle crashes account for around 30% of all oil and gas worker deaths in Texas.
- Overexertion and contact with objects/equipment are also frequent causes of fatalities.
- Small companies with less than 20 employees had the highest fatality rates. Larger corporations often have more resources to invest in safety programs.
Clearly, critical improvements in health and safety practices are needed to protect Texas’s oil and gas workforce. Anyone injured should speak to a work injury lawyer Round Rock TX to see if they’re entitled to compensation.
Steps to Prevent Injuries in Oil and Gas
While some risks are inherent, companies can take proactive measures to prevent injuries and save lives:
Prioritize Workplace Safety Culture
- Allow for open communication and encourage workers to report unsafe conditions without fear of retaliation.
- Conduct regular safety training sessions and continuously educate workers on best practices.
- Provide adequate supervision and oversight to correct unsafe behaviors immediately.
- Involve workers in developing and refining safety rules and procedures.
- Reward safe behaviors through incentives and recognition programs.
Use Proper Protective Equipment
- Mandate that all required PPE is worn at all times during hazardous work. This includes flame-resistant clothing, steel-toed boots, safety harnesses, hard hats, eye protection, hearing protection, and respirators.
- Ensure equipment is well-maintained and replaced frequently.
- Train workers on proper use and care of PPE.
- Monitor compliance and discipline workers who violate PPE policies.
Design Safe Worksites
- Keep worksites clean and orderly to prevent slips, trips, and falls.
- Provide adequate guardrails and fall protection when working at heights.
- Position equipment properly to avoid collisions between people, vehicles, and machines.
- Have designated walkways and traffic patterns.
- Ensure good lighting, ventilation, and noise-reduction.
Conduct Regular Maintenance and Inspections
- Routinely inspect all equipment and immediately fix any defects.
- Adhere to manufacturer maintenance schedules for machinery and vehicles.
- Check safety devices frequently, including gas detectors and protective shut-off valves.
- Review inspection reports and take corrective actions.
Limit Worker Fatigue
- Monitor hours worked and build in adequate rest periods between shifts.
- Arrange transportation so workers aren’t commuting long distances when exhausted.
- Discourage use of alcohol and drugs which can impair alertness on the job.
- Provide cool, clean break areas for rests and recovery.
Strengthen Training and Hiring Practices
- Verify all workers are fully trained and certified for their assigned tasks.
- Refresh training annually and coach workers to prevent skill fade.
- Screen new hires thoroughly and evaluate their safety record.
Improve Driving Safety
- Enforce seat belt use and cell phone bans in company vehicles.
- Maintain vehicles properly with good tires and brakes.
- Limit consecutive driving hours.
- Provide driver safety courses and monitor motor vehicle records.
Protecting Texas Oil and Gas Workers
Texas oil and gas employers have a duty to identify and control hazards to keep their essential workers safe. When companies fall short, workers may consider legal options if they are injured on the job.
At Karns & Karns Personal Injury and Accident Attorneys, our attorneys assist oil and gas workers who have been harmed by unsafe conditions or negligence. If you have suffered an injury, we offer a free consultation to review your case. Contact us at 800-4THE-WIN (800-484-3946) to learn more about your rights and options for seeking compensation. With decades of experience holding negligent corporations accountable, we can build strong claims on behalf of injured workers and their families. Don’t wait to get the help you deserve. Speak to an oil injury attorney Round Rock TX today.
