From 2009 to 2015, OSHA ranked Houston, the fourth-largest city in the country, as the most dangerous place for workers. The city’s busy industrial areas, especially around the Houston Ship Channel, put people at high risk for environmental, health, and safety dangers. These conditions also leave many energy companies open to lawsuits and government action when accidents happen.
Lots of industrial companies operate in and around Houston, especially those that make gas, oil, resins, plastics, and related products. The city’s highways, major roads, and ports help keep a busy supply chain moving. Because of all this activity, the news often reports chemical fires, explosions, air pollution, hazardous spills, and even collisions involving ships.
All of this shows how important Houston is to the country’s energy supply, but it also shows how risky the work is. With so many shipping operations, factories, and refineries in one place, accidents can happen at any time. That’s why it’s important to understand Houston’s role in the energy industry and how it puts workers at risk. If you have questions about a recent oilfield injury, call us today to schedule a consultation with one of our Houston oilfield injury lawyers.
The Dangers of Texas Oilfield Work
Common risks associated with Houston oil rig work include:
Falls
Falls are one of the leading causes of fatalities among Houston oil rig workers. The slick, wet surfaces make it easy to fall, trip, or slip. When workers fall onto sharp or dangerous equipment, they can be impaled, sustain traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, or even die.
If a worker falls overboard, especially when the water is rough or it’s nighttime, it can be very hard to rescue them. Even a strong swimmer can have trouble fighting against frigid water and strong currents.
Explosions and Fires
Since there are so many flammable chemicals used in drilling, fires are quite common on oil rigs, and while, yes, oil rigs do sit in the middle of the ocean, oil fires are still extremely difficult to control, since water does not extinguish them. In fact, just one unanticipated spark in the wrong spot can cause a huge explosion, as shown in 2010 by the catastrophic Deepwater Horizon disaster.
Being Struck by Moving Equipment
Oil rigs have a lot of heavy machines moving all the time: cranes swinging above workers, drill pipes spinning fast, and vehicles driving around the platform. Any of this equipment can crush a worker’s arms or legs or cause serious internal injuries.
Toxic Exposure
Oil workers often deal with dangerous chemicals. One example is hydrogen sulfide gas, which is common in oil fields and can be deadly. Even a short time breathing in these substances can cause serious health issues.
Electrical Dangers
Since oil rigs use tons of power, electrical accidents are always a danger. Water and electricity are a bad mix, and on an offshore rig, there’s water all around.
What Makes Oil Rigs So Dangerous?
The Bureau of Labor Statistics says oil and gas workers die on the job at a much higher rate than workers in most other industries. Between 2013 and 2017, 489 people in this field were killed while working. That averages out to more than 100 deaths every year in just this one industry.
Multiple factors work in tandem to make oil rig work as dangerous as it is, including:
- Exhaustion: Offshore rig workers often work long hours, which makes them tired. Twelve-hour shifts are normal, and many workers stay on even longer. The conditions on the rig can also make it hard to get good rest. When someone is exhausted, their thinking slows down, and that can be very dangerous when they’re working with heavy, risky equipment.
- Isolation: If something goes wrong, help isn’t close by the way it is in a factory, where an ambulance can arrive in minutes. On an oil rig, it can take hours to reach a hospital.
- Weather: Bad weather makes a dangerous job even worse. Strong winds and rough waves can make equipment hard to control and increase the chances of workers falling.
- Pressure: There is constant pressure to keep oil production moving, and that can lead some companies to skip over safety protocols. It’s the usual struggle between working safely and working fast, but in this rough industry, the risks are much higher.
Discuss Your Case With a Houston Oilfield Injury Lawyer
Even though many groups are trying to make oil rigs safer, the job is still one of the most dangerous in the world. And when safety problems come up, it’s fair to say, “Houston, we have a problem.” Knowing these risks is important for anyone working in the energy industry or anyone who cares about worker safety.
Staying informed and prepared can make a real difference when accidents happen. Workers deserve strong protection and real accountability when things go wrong. If you were hurt in a Houston oilfield accident, call Parks Law at (713) 979-3500 or fill out our online form. A Houston oilfield injury lawyer can explain your rights and help you take the next steps.