The oilfields of Oklahoma provide a stable source of income for many workers. As the profits from the Oklahoma oilfields have soared, so have the incidences of injuries and fatalities.
The realities of life as an oilfield worker are startling. Consider these facts.
- The average life span of an oilfield worker is 35 years old.
- Oilfield workers are required to work long shifts without the proper amount of rest.
- Oil companies have been cited for inadequate safety environments.
Due to the exposure to combustible gases, oilfields are dangerous places to work. Here is a list of the most common oilfield accidents in Oklahoma.
Equipment Failure
When equipment malfunctions, it causes employees to get injured or killed. In fact, equipment failure is the top cause for oilfield accidents.
Lack of Proper Training
The oilfields are a fast-paced environment. If a worker is sick, there might not be adequate time to train a replacement. As a result, workers are not trained how to use the equipment properly. When the equipment is mishandled, it poses a danger to the operator and other employees.
Safety Violations
After working in the dangerous oilfields for a long time, some workers disregard its danger. As a result, safety procedures may not be followed to the letter. Violating safety codes can have a significant impact on the workers’ lives.
Oil Drilling Rig Accidents
Oklahoma is second in the number of active drilling rigs. The main cause of drilling rig accidents is fire and explosions. These accidents can cause severe burns, loss of eyesight, broken bones and exposure to chemicals.
Improper Communication Between Workers
In order to maintain a safe working environment, operators and oilfield workers have to be able to communicate with each other. When a miscommunication occurs, it can have a deadly effect and cause accidents.
Rushed Environments
In an effort to produce as much oil as possible, oilfield workers often have to rush to complete tasks. In their haste, they may forget to follow procedures and safety guidelines to the letter. If workers are rushing to meet a daily quota, they are not fully focused on completed their jobs safely.
Oilfield accidents in Oklahoma not only take a financial toll on the oil industry, they can also take a human toll as well. If you or a loved one have been injured in an oilfield accident, contact attorney Robert Robles online or by phone at 405-232-7980 today!
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