Louisiana is a major player in the oil industry, with numerous oilfields contributing to the state’s economy. However, these oilfields, while critical to both local and national energy production, often pose significant risks to their workers. Read more to learn about common workplace accidents and injuries in the oilfield.
Common Types of Oilfield Accidents
While working in the oil industry can be fulfilling and financially rewarding, it’s important for workers to be aware of the common oilfield accidents they might encounter. These incidents range from fires and explosions to equipment failures, toxic exposure, overexertion issues, and more.
Understanding these common accidents not only helps in prevention but also prepares workers to respond effectively if such an incident occurs.
Fires and Explosions
Oilfield work can often be highly dangerous due to the risks of fires and explosions. Oil and gas are highly flammable and can lead to catastrophic incidents causing severe injuries, like burns, or even fatalities. In some cases, the fires or explosions can be powerful enough to cause widespread damage, affecting the entire worksite and all workers present at the time.
Equipment Failures
The daily operations in the oilfield necessitate the use of heavy and often complex machinery. When this equipment fails, it can cause serious accidents. Malfunctions may stem from various factors such as wear and tear, improper use, or lack of regular maintenance.
These types of accidents stress the importance of regular equipment maintenance and stringent safety inspections to ensure oilfield equipment is in good working order and structurally sound. Regular training for workers on safety protocols when dealing with equipment malfunction are also necessary to prevent such catastrophic events.
Collapsing Rigs
When rigs collapse, the consequences can be devastating. Falling debris may strike workers, causing injuries or trapping them under rubble. The rapid descent of the rig may also cause workers to fall from significant heights, leading to potentially fatal injuries.
In the wake of such incidents, rescue and recovery efforts can also be complex and dangerous due to the unstable wreckage.
Toxic Exposure
Oilfield workers often come in contact with hazardous substances, such as drilling fluids, frac chemicals, and even naturally occurring radioactive materials. These substances may cause immediate harm, like chemical burns or respiratory distress, but they may also lead to long-term health problems, including chronic respiratory conditions and cancers.
Toxic exposure can occur through direct skin contact, inhalation, or accidental ingestion during the course of work. In some cases, the harmful effects are immediate and obvious. However, some health issues related to toxic exposure might take years to develop.
Overexertion
Physical overexertion in the oilfield is often caused by long shifts, heavy lifting, repetitive movements, and working in extreme weather conditions. The strenuous nature of the work can result in various health issues such as pulled muscles, back injuries, joint damage, and dehydration. In severe cases, prolonged overexertion without adequate rest may lead to heat stroke, heart conditions, and other serious health problems.
Additionally, oilfield workers often work non-traditional hours, which may exacerbate fatigue and contribute to overexertion. This can also increase the likelihood of accidents, as tired workers are more prone to making mistakes.
Entrapment
Entrapment in the oilfield can occur in various ways. It might happen when a worker’s clothing gets caught in functioning machinery, or when a part of the body gets trapped between two pieces of heavy equipment. In the worst cases, a worker could become buried or trapped due to a structural collapse or landslide.
When entrapment occurs, it may have serious implications. Compression injuries, suffocation, and crush injuries are common and may lead to long-term disability or even loss of life. In other cases, a trapped worker might suffer from hypothermia or heat stroke, depending upon the local weather conditions.
Electrocution
Working around electrical equipment may be part of the daily routine in oilfields, making electrocution a significant risk. This can occur due to factors such as faulty wiring, equipment malfunction, or lack of proper grounding. Even a minor error or oversight can result in a fatal electrical shock.
Electrocution can cause harms beyond the initial shock, like severe burns or damage to internal organs. The heart is particularly vulnerable, as an electrical shock can lead to irregular heart rhythms or even cardiac arrest. In addition, the muscular contraction caused by an electric shock can result in a worker being thrown or falling from a height, leading to further injuries.
Common Types of Oilfield Injuries
Burns
Burns in the oilfield industry can be deeply painful and cause significant damage. These injuries can occur from fires and explosions, toxic exposure, and electrocution.
Fires and explosions, often resulting from the ignition of volatile substances or gas leaks, can cause severe thermal burns to those in the vicinity. These burns not only affect the skin but can also result in damage to the respiratory system from inhalation of hot gases and smoke.
Chemical burns occur when workers’ skin or eyes come into direct contact with hazardous substances common in the industry, including highly acidic or alkaline materials. Such contact can spark an instant chemical reaction that injures or even destroys the skin and underlying tissues, resulting in serious burns. The severity of an oilfield burn largely hinges on the type of substance involved, the length of exposure, and the specific part of the body affected.
Electrocution in oilfields, caused by high-voltage equipment, can lead to electrical burns which occur when electricity travels through the body, intensely heating the tissues. The severity of such burns, which can cause serious internal damage even when external signs are minimal, depends on factors like voltage, the route of the current through the body, and duration of contact.
Fractures and Amputations
Working with heavy machinery in the oilfield industry can often lead to severe injuries, such as fractures and amputations. Fractures can occur due to falls, overexertion, being struck by moving equipment, or from the force of an explosion. Amputations, on the other hand, are usually the result of serious accidents involving heavy machinery. Such injuries can lead to permanent disability and can have significant psychological impact on the victims.
Traumatic Brain Injuries and Crush Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries are often the result of a sudden, violent blow or jolt to the head, such as from a falling object or a fall from height. Symptoms can range from mild concussive effects to serious, long-term cognitive issues. Crush injuries, often caused by entrapment incidents, can be equally serious, resulting in severe damage to the body’s muscles, soft tissues, and even bones. Such injuries can result in long-term disability or even fatality.
Respiratory Conditions
Long-term exposure to harmful gases, common in the oilfield industry, can lead to a variety of respiratory conditions. Workers may experience short-term symptoms like coughing, wheezing, or shortness of breath. However, this exposure may lead to chronic conditions such as bronchitis, asthma, or even lung cancer. These conditions can significantly impact a worker’s quality of life and may result in long-term health issues.
Seek Legal Advice for Your Oilfield Injury
Working in the oilfield is fraught with potential dangers. However, understanding the common accidents and injuries can help you stay safe. Moreover, it’s important to remember that as an oilfield worker, you have rights.
If you, or someone you know, have suffered from Louisiana oilfield injuries, Talbot, Carmouche & Marcello can help. Our experienced Louisiana attorneys understand the intricacies of these injuries and are committed to making a significant impact on the outcome of your case. We are dedicated to fighting for your rights and for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.