Every day, Texas workers put their lives and safety on the line when they work on Texas oil fields. Unfortunately, oil field accidents and illnesses are far too common.
If you have been injured while working in the Texas oil industry, check out our legal guide or our overview on oil industry accidents and laws, or read on to learn more about chemical exposure injuries.
In the year 2011 alone, there were more than 450,000 workers who were employed in the oil and gas extraction industry and related support industries, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Between the years 2003 and 2010, a total of 823 oil and gas extraction workers died on the job and between the years of 2005-2009, the fatality rate for the oil and gas industry was seven times than the rate for all United States industries.
As activity and employment in the oil and gas industry have risen, so have injuries and fatalities.
The most common reason for fatalities in this industry is due to vehicle accidents (transportation events – mostly in aircrafts) which accounts for 50.8% of deaths of people in the oil and gas industry.
The CDC reports that death from exposure to harmful substances/environments accounts for 12.5% of fatal injuries among workers involved in offshore oil and gas operations (2003-2010 data).
One of the most serious issues that oil and gas extraction workers face is the possibility of injury and illness due to chemical exposure.
Although employers are legally required to take preventative steps to shield employees from exposure to dangerous chemicals, some simply fail to take these precautions.
When finding a new oil source, companies may fail to provide appropriate training after quickly rushing to put a team together to begin a drilling project.
Additionally, employers sometimes neglect to provide proper safety equipment that could have prevented or minimized exposure. When employers are negligent, workers are exposed to chemicals and are at greater risk of sustaining injuries or developing illnesses.
Prolonged exposure to volatile chemicals used in the oil and gas industry can cause serious health consequences for employees. Workers inhale chemicals or absorb them through their skin.
They may even take home the dangerous chemicals on their clothing and expose their families to the same risks.
The injuries and illnesses that result from chemical exposure vary in severity and effect, depending on the type and length of exposure.
Possible injuries and illnesses include:
Despite these many known hazards, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health reports that there is a lack of information regarding the potential risks related to chemical exposure in the oil and gas extraction industry.
Employers can take steps to minimize workers' exposure to toxic chemicals. One proven method is to provide proper protective treatment that prevents the worker from being exposed through their skin. This includes gloves, helmets and protective clothing.
Educating workers on potential risks and giving them proper training on how to handle chemicals may also help curtail the significant number of injuries in this industry.
If you do face injuries as a result of chemical exposure in the oil and gas industry, your medical expenses could cost thousands of dollars and you may be facing years of difficult recovery ahead.
Post-Accident Journal Form
Sample accident journal/diary to help you document the effect on your daily life
Download in PDF format
Workers' compensation would cover your medical costs, but not pain and suffering. You may then consider hiring an attorney to pursue your legal options under a personal injury claim.
If the chemical exposure was due to your employer’s failure to follow the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations, you might be able to receive a significant settlement value.
If you can establish that you have been injured due to negligence, Texas law allows you to be compensated for the following:
Note that Texas law features the concept of proportionate responsibility. This means if your responsibility for the accident is determined to be more than 50%, you cannot recover damages.
The law requires employers to provide their employees with safe and healthful workplaces. OSHA also prohibits employers from retaliating against employees for exercising their rights under the law. For more information see www.whistleblowers.gov for more information on workers' rights.
If you have questions or concerns about your work site, find your regional or area OSHA office through the OSHA Offices by State webpage or call 1-800-321-OSHA (6742).
Workers can file a complaint with OSHA by calling 1-800-321-OSHA (6742), online via eComplaint Form, or by printing the complaint form and mailing or faxing it to the local OSHA area office.