When one considers the monstrous size and power of the machines used in the oil and gas industry, it comes as no surprise that proper equipment maintenance is the primary factor in avoiding workplace accidents.
The tragic Deepwater Horizon spill and explosion that killed 11 and injured 17 is a testimony to the damage that equipment failure and maintenance issues can cause, and there are specific steps that must be taken to avoid this type of disaster.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were a total of 120 fatal work injuries that occurred in the oil and gas extraction industry in 2008 alone.
The three most fatal events that affected workers in this industry included transportation incidents, fires and explosions and contacts with objects and equipment.
While large incidents like the Deepwater Horizon explosion in 2010, the Clearbrook pipeline fire in 2007 and the Texas City refinery explosion in 2005 receive frequent media attention, there are many other accidents and injuries that are not heavily publicized.
The potential for fires and explosions while working in the oil industry are high because there is always a risk that the pressure control systems will fail and an uncontrollable amount of oil will be released.
When a well blowout happens, it can catch on fire.
Fires can also occur when electrical equipment is not properly maintained or when workers weld flammable materials.
Proper maintenance ensures that oil rigs and other equipment are all working as they should be and reduces the chances for blowouts or malfunctions.
It is also important for workers to devote a proper amount of time to equipment maintenance, because when it is done hastily workers may be in even greater damage.
All too often, productivity goals determine when and how often maintenance is performed in the oil industry.
In an effort to save money, oil and gas companies will refuse to shut down equipment for maintenance work.
Unfortunately, safety measures are not usually addressed until after a worker has been injured or killed on the job.
For those who have been injured while working on an oil rig or drilling well, there may be an opportunity to seek compensation from the responsible party.
Every state has unique workers' compensation laws that determine the amount of compensation that a worker can seek after a serious injury, and it is wise to enlist the help of an oil rig accident attorney if you are thinking about filing a claim.
In some situations, the workers' compensation benefits will not come close to fully compensating the injured worker for the costs of their injuries, and an attorney can help you identify additional sources of compensation so that you can fully recover from your injuries.
Call Sloan, Bagley, Hatcher & Perry today to learn more.
The tragic Deepwater Horizon spill and explosion that killed 11 and injured 17 is a testimony to the damage that equipment failure and maintenance issues can cause, and there are specific steps that must be taken to avoid this type of disaster.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were a total of 120 fatal work injuries that occurred in the oil and gas extraction industry in 2008 alone.
The three most fatal events that affected workers in this industry included transportation incidents, fires and explosions and contacts with objects and equipment.
While large incidents like the Deepwater Horizon explosion in 2010, the Clearbrook pipeline fire in 2007 and the Texas City refinery explosion in 2005 receive frequent media attention, there are many other accidents and injuries that are not heavily publicized.
The potential for fires and explosions while working in the oil industry are high because there is always a risk that the pressure control systems will fail and an uncontrollable amount of oil will be released.
When a well blowout happens, it can catch on fire.
Fires can also occur when electrical equipment is not properly maintained or when workers weld flammable materials.
Proper maintenance ensures that oil rigs and other equipment are all working as they should be and reduces the chances for blowouts or malfunctions.
It is also important for workers to devote a proper amount of time to equipment maintenance, because when it is done hastily workers may be in even greater damage.
All too often, productivity goals determine when and how often maintenance is performed in the oil industry.
In an effort to save money, oil and gas companies will refuse to shut down equipment for maintenance work.
Unfortunately, safety measures are not usually addressed until after a worker has been injured or killed on the job.
For those who have been injured while working on an oil rig or drilling well, there may be an opportunity to seek compensation from the responsible party.
Every state has unique workers' compensation laws that determine the amount of compensation that a worker can seek after a serious injury, and it is wise to enlist the help of an oil rig accident attorney if you are thinking about filing a claim.
In some situations, the workers' compensation benefits will not come close to fully compensating the injured worker for the costs of their injuries, and an attorney can help you identify additional sources of compensation so that you can fully recover from your injuries.
Call Sloan, Bagley, Hatcher & Perry today to learn more.
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