Working on an oil rig is a challenging job. The physically demanding conditions and ever-present risks of the oil industry create an environment where accidents are all too common, sometimes resulting in devastating or fatal injuries. A report published by the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that quarrying, mining, and gas and oil extraction are responsible for about 110 oilfield worker fatalities each year.
For Texas oil rig workers, on-the-job injuries can have a significant impact on their well-being and quality of life. If you were injured during the course and scope of your employment as an oilfield worker, the experienced Texas oilfield accident attorneys at Parks Law, PLLC, can help.
Repetitive Stress Injuries on Texas Oil Rigs
From loading and unloading to lifting heavy objects, repetitive motions are highly common among many offshore jobs. Unfortunately, these can also lead to an extensive amount of pain, injuries, and chronic conditions, including:
- Neck and back pain
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (pain in the fingers and hands due to nerve compression)
- Bursitis (inflammation of a fluid-filled sac known as a bursa, usually in the shoulder, elbow, or knee)
- Tendonitis (inflammation of a tendon resulting in stiffness, swelling, and pain)
This classification of injuries caused by overuse, more commonly known as repetitive stress injuries, is most likely to appear in a person’s joints, which makes daily tasks considerably more difficult.
Musculoskeletal Injuries on Texas Oil Rigs
As part of their daily tasks, Texas oilfield workers are often required to lift and handle heavy materials, tools, and equipment. Improper training, overexertion, and incorrect lifting technique can all result in muscle injuries, sprains, and strains, especially in a worker’s arms, shoulders, and back.
Other job-related actions that can result in musculoskeletal injuries in oilfield workers include:
- Long work hours and fatigue: Lengthy shifts and the resulting exhaustion can impact a worker’s mental agility, physical performance, judgment, and coordination. Fatigue-related mistakes and a loss of concentration can easily give rise to accidents and musculoskeletal injuries.
- Repetitive vibrations and motions: Conducting repetitious tasks, like using hand tools or operating heavy equipment, can lead to painful musculoskeletal injuries. Repetitive, continuous mactions otions can lead to muscular discomfort, inflammation, and strain in joints, tendons, and muscles. Routine exposure to strong vibrations from oilfield equipment can pave the way for conditions such as “hand-arm vibration syndrome”.
Long-Term Health Effects of Oilfield Health Risks
The health hazards inherent in Texas oilfield work are not always immediately obvious. The overtly physical nature of the work, combined with regular exposure to noxious substances, greatly increases workers’ risks of developing serious health problems as they age.
Some long-term health issues commonly experienced by Texas oilfield workers include:
- Respiratory Problems: Being regularly exposed to silica dust and other harmful irritants can, over time, damage workers’ lungs and lead to chronic breathing problems, making them much more vulnerable to respiratory infections and conditions like pneumonia.
- Cardiovascular Disease: Routine exposure to hazardous chemicals, coupled with the physical demands of oilfield work, contributes to an increased risk of heart disease.
- Certain Cancers: Repeated exposure to chemicals such as benzene, a proven carcinogen, places workers at risk for developing non-Hodgkin lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, and several other cancers.
How Texas Oilfield Workers Can Protect Themselves From Injuries and Illnesses
While the menaces of working in an oilfield are noteworthy, there are some steps that workers can take to reduce the risks to their health. Besides advocating for your own safety and looking out for your colleagues, you may also:
- Continue your workplace education and keep current on safety protocols
- Wear Personal Protective Equipment
- Pay close attention to your work environment
- Stay hydrated
- Communicate clearly and openly with management and colleagues
The oil industry is mentally and physically demanding work. By maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can prioritize your well-being, just as you can mitigate the risk of long-term and repetitive stress injuries by making sure you get enough sleep and effectively managing your stress.
Talk to a Texas Oilfield Accident Attorney
It is an employer’s responsibility to follow safety regulations and keep job sites safe. Where Texas oil fields are concerned, this means maintaining equipment, training employees properly, and conducting routine inspections. When shortcuts are the order of the day, it’s oilfield workers who pay the price.
Failure to abide by Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards can make employers liable for damages, especially if they fail to provide appropriate protective gear or intentionally allow dangerous practices to continue. In these cases, a Texas oilfield accident attorney may be able to argue gross negligence.
If you sustained a long-term health or repetitive stress injury in a Houston oilfield accident due to employer negligence, you can discuss your case with a trusted Texas oilfield injury attorney from Parks Law, PLLC. We can advise you through the complexities of an oilfield accident claim and ensure you receive the financial compensation you need and deserve.. To schedule a free consultation, call us at (713) 979-3500 or fill out the contact form on our website.