Houston has a lot of growing industries and large job sites, which help the local economy. But it also means more dangerous work environments and a higher risk of workplace accidents.
In this blog, we explain why so many job-related injuries happen in Houston, the types of injuries workers often suffer, and what you can do to protect your rights if you are hurt at work. We also share guidance from the Houston oilfield accident attorneys at Parks Law.
219 Fatal Oilfield Accidents in Texas (2018–2023)
One study looked at five years of data, from 2018 to 2023, from a federal database that tracks oil and gas worker deaths. During that time, at least 470 oilfield workers were killed across the country. Texas had the highest number, with 219 deaths. Oklahoma had the second-highest total, and North Dakota ranked third with 39 deaths.
The Permian Basin, which covers parts of western Texas and southeastern New Mexico and produces about 40% of the country’s oil, was linked to about 30% of all oilfield deaths. Another 15.7% of worker deaths happened in the Western Gulf Basin. The Appalachian Basin accounted for 9.1%, and the Williston Basin made up 8.5%.
Most oilfield deaths happened to workers from well-servicing companies. Fewer deaths involved drilling contractors, and even fewer involved operators. Workers were most often killed while doing production work, driving on roads, performing well servicing or repair work, or working on drilling operations.
During the study period, at least 80 oilfield workers, about 17% of all deaths, were killed in 32 different accidents that each involved more than one fatality.
Motor Vehicle Accidents Are the Leading Cause of Houston Oilfield Deaths
Vehicle crashes were the most common cause of oilfield deaths, making up nearly 29% of all fatalities. Being struck by an object caused almost 22% of the deaths, and explosions were responsible for more than 14% of the Houston oilfield deaths reported between 2018 and 2023.
Vehicle crashes have been a major cause of oil and gas worker deaths for many years, especially in the Permian Basin. When oilfield activity increases, companies use thousands of heavy trucks and 18-wheelers to haul sand, water, and other materials to and from job sites.
Because there are not enough experienced drivers, companies often hire truck drivers from outside the area who do not know the local roads or how to drive safely on rural highways. Many of these drivers work long, back-to-back 12-hour shifts to keep operations running around the clock. As a result, truck accidents in oilfields happen often.
What Makes Houston Oilfields So Dangerous?
Oilfields are very dangerous places to work. Workers in this industry are about seven times more likely to be killed on the job than workers in other industries. Some of the main reasons for this higher death rate include:
- High-Pressure Equipment: Oilfields use equipment like drilling rigs, pumps, and pipelines that operate under extreme pressure. If any of this equipment fails, it can cause serious accidents, including fires or explosions.
- Long hours: Extended shifts can cause exhaustion, which leads to more mistakes and accidents.
- Heavy equipment: Oilfields use large machines that can be dangerous, especially for tired or inexperienced workers.
- Flammable materials: Oil and gas can easily catch fire or explode if they leak.
- Toxic gases: Dangerous gases, like hydrogen sulfide, can be deadly if workers breathe them in.
- Confined spaces: Tanks and tight areas often have poor airflow, allowing toxic gases to build up.
- Remote locations: Many oilfields are far from hospitals, which can delay emergency care.
Houston’s oil and gas industry is supposed to follow strict safety rules to reduce these dangers. However, when there is not enough oversight, safety violations can be missed, especially during busy periods when companies rush to produce as much oil and gas as possible before prices drop.
Talk to a Houston Oilfield Accident Attorney From Parks Law
If you were hurt while working in an oilfield, you don’t have to handle it on your own. Since an injury can affect your health, your job, and your future, it’s important to understand your rights. To talk with a Houston oilfield accident attorney who can help, contact Parks Law at (713) 979-3500 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation.