In Houston oilfields, electrical hazards can cause operational disruptions, serious injuries, and deaths. The widespread reliance on electrical equipment in gas and oil operations, often combined with extreme environmental conditions, makes maintaining electrical safety a top priority.
At Parks Law, PLLC, our Texas oilfield injury lawyers are committed to helping victims of electrical accidents in Houston oilfields understand their rights and obtain the financial compensation they need and deserve. This blog examines the leading causes of electrical dangers in oilfields, the hazards they pose to workers, and who, in these situations, may be held liable.
Common Electrical Hazards in Houston Oilfields
Faulty Equipment and Wiring
One of the leading sources of electrical hazards is faulty equipment and wiring. As time passes, electrical components can degrade when they are exposed to intense environmental conditions, resulting in equipment malfunctions, short circuits, and exposed wires.
Thorough inspections and routine maintenance are necessary for identifying and addressing potential problems before they lead to accidents. Making sure that all electrical work is handled by licensed electricians and that defects are repaired immediately are both key in preventing electrical hazards.
Insufficient Grounding
Insufficient grounding is another major contributor to electrical hazards in Houston oilfields. Proper grounding is required to prevent fires and electrical shocks. When grounding is inadequate, electric currents may flow through unintended pathways, posing a serious hazard to workers.
Regular inspection of grounding systems and the implementation of strict grounding practices can help alleviate this risk. Ensuring that workers are fully trained in good grounding techniques and that all equipment is correctly grounded is also essential
Exposure to Corrosive Environments and Moisture
Oilfields often involve exposure to chemicals, moisture, and other caustic agents that can damage electrical components. Chemicals and water can seep into electrical enclosures, leading to equipment failures and short circuits.
Using materials that are corrosion-resistant and weatherproof for electrical components and keeping all enclosures properly sealed can help prevent environmental damage. Routine maintenance and inspections can further improve the safety and reliability of electrical systems.
Human Error
In oilfield environments, electrical hazards can also stem from simple human error or lapses in judgment. Mistakes such as failure to follow safety protocols, improper installation, and a lack of awareness regarding electrical dangers can pave the way for accidents.
Comprehensive education and training programs for all electrical personnel are essential when it comes to decreasing the number of accidents caused by human error. Simulations and safety drills can help workers be prepared for electrical emergencies.
Why Liability Matters in Houston Oilfield Accidents
In Texas personal injury cases, liability determines who is financially responsible for your hospital bills, lost earnings, pain and suffering, and long-term care. Unfortunately, Houston oilfield injury claims are extremely complex due to Texas’s unique workers’ compensation laws.
Texas is the only state where private employers are not obligated to carry workers’ compensation. These employers are known as “non-subscribers,” and if you are injured while working for one, you may be entitled to bring a personal injury suit, provided negligence can be proven.
Even if your employer does subscribe to workers’ compensation, you may still be able to file against a third party, like a negligent driver, equipment manufacturer, or contractor.
Potentially Liable Parties in Houston Oilfield Injury Claims
As previously mentioned, establishing liability is paramount to building a strong case. Other parties who could potentially bear liability following a Houston oilfield accident are:
Your “Non-Subscriber” Employer
If your employer is a non-subscriber, they may be sued for negligence, even if you were partly to blame for your accident. These cases usually involve:
- Not following OSHA rules: Skipping safety regulations can put everyone at risk.
- Poor safety training: Workers who aren’t properly trained are more likely to get hurt.
- No proper protective gear: Without the right PPE, injuries are more likely.
- Inadequate supervision or unsafe instructions: Rushed or careless orders can cause accidents.
- Neglecting maintenance: When rigs or vehicles aren’t kept in good shape, things can go wrong fast.
Texas oilfields are full of smaller logistics and service companies that frequently opt out of carrying workers’ compensation, which makes identifying employer liability even more important.
Contractors and Sub-contractors
Oilfield sites are a quagmire of organizations all working together: pumpers, rig operators, truck companies, welders, drillers, and more. In the event that a contractor or their employee is responsible for your injuries, their company can be sued. Even if your employer has workers’ compensation, its protections do not extend to third parties.
Oilfield Equipment Distributors and Manufacturers
Houston oilfields rely heavily on heavy-duty equipment such as hoists, rigs, pipelines, valves, compressors, and electrical panels, to name a few. If your injuries were caused by a malfunctioning tool or a defective machine, the distributor or manufacturer could be liable for damages under Texas product liability law.
Common product liability oilfield accidents include:
- Electrical short circuits that can cause burns or fires
- Defective blowout preventers that don’t work when needed
- Safety valves that fail under pressure
- Pipe tongs that slip or stop working properly
Even if they were not on-site, a manufacturer can still be held liable if their product contributed to or caused your injuries.
Discuss Your Case With a Texas Oilfield Injury Lawyer
If you were injured in an electrical accident in a Houston oilfield, you need to seek legal advice from an experienced Texas oilfield injury lawyer. At Parks Law, PLLC, we are committed to helping our clients obtain full and fair financial compensation.
Our knowledgeable team can explain your legal options to you, investigate the events leading up to your accident, and pursue damages for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and other losses as well. To schedule your free consultation, fill out the contact form on our website or call us at (713) 979-3500.