It is no surprise that oilfield work is difficult, and the workers are constantly surrounded by hazards. The employees are exposed to heavy machinery, moving vehicles, heights, chemicals, and other dangerous elements throughout the day. Moreover, they also deal with natural hazards like bad weather conditions, such as rain, winds, freezing temperatures, strong storms, etc.
Therefore, working in this industry is certainly not an easy task. Many workers work for 7 to 14 days without a break before they can get one day off. Since the possibility of an accident is so high while the income of such workers is low, it is crucial to understand what to do when you get into an accident. Speak to an Oilfield accident lawyer today.
What are the most dangerous oilfield jobs?
Oilfield workers perform several jobs, among which some are more hazardous than others. Here are some of the most dangerous oilfield jobs:
- Roustabouts: They help in a number of activities on the oilfield and work with drills, pumps, and other equipment, which can malfunction if not maintained and cause severe injuries.
- Derrick operators: They handle run mud pumps and drilling equipment, perform other difficult jobs, and work with heavy machinery at heights.
- Motormen: They are responsible for working with and maintaining complex machines like engines.
- Truck drivers: Trucking accidents are a leading cause of oilfield accidents. Truck drivers have to drive for long hours without rest and sleep, leading to fatigue and drowsiness.
The toxic exposure faced by oilfield workers.
One of the greatest dangers of an oilfield workplace is perhaps the constant exposure to toxic chemicals and gasses. Workers have to handle potentially toxic chemicals on a daily basis. The exposure can be one-time during a single shift or an extended period, resulting in serious health consequences. Some of the most common toxins on the oilfield include:
- petroleum gasses,
- hydrogen sulfide,
- diesel exhaust,
- or mercury vapor.
Here are some common dangers of working in an oilfield:
- Worker negligence or error
- Boat accidents
- Operation of heavy machinery
- Crane accidents
- Helicopter crashes
- Explosions and fires
- Well blowouts
- Exposure to toxic chemicals
- Slip and fall accidents
- Defective or malfunctioning equipment
- Falling debris
What to do if you have been injured while working on the oilfield?
If you are an oilfield worker injured while working, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation. You must report your injury to your employer immediately so that they can begin working on your claim. To ensure you receive the best compensation, work with an attorney.
