The oilfield industry is fraught with risk of serious injury, but workers still have the right to a safe environment. Oil companies and site supervisors have strict safety regulations they must follow. This includes what kind of functional safety gear should be present and what kind of safety training employees must follow.
Oilfield safety is overseen by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). OSHA sets safety standards and investigates safety and health violations in the oil and gas industry. Companies that flout these safety regulations or site owners failing to provide adequate safety equipment and training may be under scrutiny after an OSHA complaint. Many of these regulations aim to prevent oilfield fires and mitigate the loss of life and property after one.
If you’ve been injured in an oilfield fire, you have the right to take legal action against a negligent employer. A Houston oilfield accident attorney from Havens & Associates can explain your options in a free consultation.
Fire risks in the oil and gas industry
Many operations in oilfields involve heavy machinery and complex equipment, handling hazardous materials, and working under extreme conditions. In addition, the oil and gas extracted in the field are highly flammable. One safety violation or misstep can cause a spark that quickly leads to a raging, deadly fire.
Explosions are one of the most common risks in the oil and gas industry. Gasses like hydrogen sulfide and methane can accumulate, especially in enclosed or cramped spaces, and cause an explosion when ignited.
Faulty or malfunctioning equipment, poor-quality materials, or a lack of safety protocols and oversight on the part of the site management can also cause explosions.
Another risk is the widespread presence of flammable materials on an oil or gas extraction site. Even if you’re not at the explosion site, fires can rapidly spread throughout the job site, endangering everyone. Severe burns, respiratory damage, or other catastrophic injuries are common. Many people never fully recover after injuries suffered in oilfield fires.
Common safety violations in the oilfield industry
A lack of safety protocols and gear is often a common denominator for devastating oilfield fires. Some of the most common violations that lead to them include:
- Equipment failure – Damaged pumps and valves, blowout preventers, or other heavy machinery may cause an uncontrolled release of gas that can ignite and explode.
- Human error or oversight – Mistakes in handling drilling equipment or failure to follow safety protocols.
- Improper storage of flammable materials – Specific containers must be used and there are labeling requirements to prevent a mishap.
- Leaks or ruptures in pipelines – Mechanical damage, corrosion, or otherwise poor maintenance can cause a leak or rupture, thus releasing flammable oil or gas into an environment where it could ignite.
- Lack of “hot” work safety protocols – Work like welding or cutting should only be conducted under specific safety measures like proper ventilation and keeping the work at a safe distance from flammable materials.
- Static electricity – This is often generated during the handling or transfer of flammable materials. As charges build up, one errant spark can ignite them.
Many of these risks can be mitigated with proper care and caution. Violating safety procedures in these situations can often be considered negligence. Your attorney can help you assert your rights after a negligence-caused injury.
Understanding your legal rights after an oilfield fire injury
Your rights after an oilfield injury depend on where you were when the accident happened. In Texas, employers aren’t always required by law to carry workers’ compensation insurance. If your employer doesn’t carry it, your only option for compensation is to file a lawsuit against your employer and any other liable party.
Even if your employer carries workers’ compensation and you’re able to secure benefits, you may still have the right to file a suit against other parties who may have contributed to the fire or explosion. For example, you have the right to file a third-party lawsuit against an equipment manufacturer, mechanic, subcontractor, or vendor on the job site.
Workers’ compensation benefits cover all necessary medical care for your injury and a wage replacement stipend so you can pay your bills while you recover. However, it doesn’t provide any non-material benefits.
A personal injury lawsuit, or third-party lawsuit, can help you secure compensation for your medical care, lost wages, and compensation for non-material losses like pain and suffering from your injuries, scarring and disfigurement, and a loss of enjoyment of life.
Seeking legal help after an oilfield fire
If you have been injured in an oilfield fire, the attorneys at Havens & Associates can help you assert your legal rights and demand compensation for your injuries.
Contact us online or call (713) 955-2215 for a free consultation.
