Rising Fatalities in the U.S. Oil and Gas Extraction Industry on the Rise

Every year, numerous workers in the U.S. Oil and Gas Extraction (OGE) industry go to work, with too many paying the ultimate price. The dangers inherent in this industry cannot be overstated, as the statistics on oil rig deaths paint a grim picture of the reality faced by these workers.  Overall, deaths among those working in the OGE industry rose sharply from 2016 until 2019.  

Annual Fatalities in the Oil and Gas Extraction Industry

The annual frequency of deaths in the OGE industry is an startling statistic that underscores the risks faced by OGE workers. According to a report released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), from 2014 through 2019, a total of 470 workers in the OGE in the U.S. went to work but did not return to their families.  

In 2016, there were 30 fatalities. Remarkably, by 2019, the number of fatalities nearly quadrupled. The leading causes of death were vehicle crashes and being struck by objects while on the job. Other contributing factors included explosions, falls, and exposure to harmful substances.

Reasons Behind Increasing Fatalities

According to the report, “fatalities resulted from 32 total incidents. Vehicle incidents were responsible for one half of the multifatality incidents, resulting in 41 worker fatalities. Explosions caused 11 incidents, resulting in 29 worker fatalities. The remaining five incidents (i.e., electrocution, exposure to harmful substance, fall, or unknown event) resulted in two fatalities each.”  

From the inherent hazards of the job to systemic failures related to safety, the reasons behind each tragedy are complex and often interconnected.  

Common Types of Oil & Gas Industry Accidents

Workers in the OGE industry are exposed to hazards that can lead to serious injury or death. OGE industry workers work in high-pressure environments around heavy equipment and explosive materials and chemicals.  The environment contributes to an array of accidents.

Explosions

Explosions are among the most feared hazards in the OGE industry.  The very nature of working around flammable gases and liquids means that a single spark or surge in pressure can set off a catastrophic blast. Explosions not only increase the risk of fatalities but can also cause long-term health concerns for those who manage to survive the initial blast.  Common physical injuries include fractures, disc herniations, dislocations, tissue damage, and serious conditions like blast lung injury, which can lead to breathing difficulties and chest pain. Additionally, survivors may face hearing loss due to the intense noise levels associated with explosions, along with eye injuries from flying debris. The impact of hazardous chemicals released during explosions can also lead to respiratory issues and burns.  Beyond the physical toll, the psychological ramifications can be profound, often manifesting as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression. Recovery from such traumatic incidents often requires extensive medical care and rehabilitation, highlighting the importance of proactive measures to prevent explosions and protect workers.

Falls

The oil and gas industry demands that onshore and offshore workers work at elevated heights. Falls in the workplace can lead to a wide range of injuries, from fractures and sprains to contusions and psychological impacts. Injuries such as broken bones, sprained ligaments, and contusions are common outcomes of sudden movements or awkward landings, while the psychological effects can include a fear of future falls and, in severe cases, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  

Vehicle-related Incidents

Given the vast size of drilling sites and the need for the transport of heavy equipment, vehicle-related incidents are a noteworthy cause of injury and death in the gas extraction industry. These incidents can include collisions on the job site, transportation accidents to and from remote locations, or mishaps involving heavy machinery like cranes and forklifts. The oil and gas industry frequently contends with a significant number of vehicle-related incidents, due in part to the constant movement of heavy equipment and supplies to and from well sites. These incidents are typically characterized as either fatal or nonfatal, affecting both on-road and off-road operations. Motor vehicle-related fatalities consistently represent a notable percentage of the total fatalities within the industry, underscoring the need for rigorous safety initiatives. Nonfatal incidents often include collisions, roll-overs, and personnel being struck by or caught between vehicles. Elevated fatality rates are especially concerning when contrasted with other sectors, highlighting motor vehicle operations as a critical area for safety improvements. The development of worker fatality prevention systems aims to address this high occurrence rate, with safety programs often focusing on mitigating the risks associated with driving, vehicle maintenance, and transportation of personnel and equipment.

Several factors contribute to the high risk of vehicle-related incidents in the oil and gas industry:

Contributing Factor	Description
Driver Fatigue	Long working hours leading to reduced driver alertness
Distracted Driving	Use of mobile devices or other distractions while driving
Lack of Training	Insufficient safety training for vehicle operations
Harsh Weather Conditions	Poor road conditions due to rain, snow, or ice

Additionally, the vast distances between sites can increase the time workers spend on the road, heightening their exposure to potential accidents.

Struck by Objects

Workers often operate at heights or in areas where materials are stored above ground level. Many tasks in oil and gas extraction involve the use of large cables, pipes, and other heavy equipment that can swing or come loose unexpectedly during operations. If proper precautions are not taken, workers can be struck by these objects, resulting in serious injury or fatality.  Injuries can include traumatic brain injuries, fractured bones, internal injuries, lacerations, and abrasions.  

Contributing Factor	Description
Poor Site Conditions	Inadequate maintenance of the worksite, uneven terrain, or debris accumulation can increase the risk of being struck by moving equipment or falling objects.
Inadequate Safety Training	Insufficient training on recognizing hazards and proper procedures for handling equipment increases the likelihood of accidents involving struck-by incidents.
Improper Use of Equipment	Failure to follow manufacturer instructions or safety protocols while operating machinery may lead to equipment malfunction or operator errors, resulting in strikes.
Lack of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)	Not utilizing appropriate PPE, such as hard hats or safety glasses, increases the severity of injuries when incidents occur.
Poor Communication	Inadequate communication among team members regarding work activities, equipment movements, or hazard warnings can lead to miscalculations, resulting in someone being struck.
Inadequate Supervision	Lack of proper supervision or oversight can lead to unsafe work practices and failure to follow safety guidelines, increasing the risk of being struck by moving vehicles or equipment.
Distractions or Fatigue	Worker fatigue or distractions can compromise focus and situational awareness, making individuals more susceptible to being in harm’s way during operations.
Failure to Secure Tools and Materials	Not properly securing tools, materials, or equipment can result in falling objects, posing a direct danger to personnel working within the vicinity.
Poorly Designed Workspaces	Inefficient or hazardous workspace layouts can lead to increased risks of being struck by equipment or materials, especially in high-traffic areas.

Hazardous Working Conditions

Gas extraction industry workers, particularly those on offshore operations, are exposed to some of the most dangerous working conditions imaginable. Perilous weather, explosions, fires, and toxic gas releases are just a few of the hazards that contribute to the alarming fatality rate. The shifting nature of the earth and sea can turn a routine task into a life-threatening emergency without warning, and the remote locations of rigs further complicate rescue and medical interventions, often contributing to the severity of outcomes.

Inadequate Safety Measures

While gas companies are required to implement strict safety protocols, the adequacy of these measures is frequently called into question following a tragedy. Investigations often reveal that precautionary steps, such as proper training, safety valve regulations, and maintenance checks, had either been neglected or were insufficient. The cost-cutting measures or insufficient oversight by well-servicing companies can result in compromised safety, leading to catastrophic consequences for gas workers.

Texas’ Role in Oil Production

Texas, the largest oil producer in the nation, reported the highest number of deaths (219), followed by Oklahoma (with 48 deaths), and North Dakota (with 39 deaths) during the same five-year span.

The Anadarko Basin in Oklahoma reported 48 deaths, despite producing just 3% of the nation’s oil and gas. Industry leaders emphasize the need for proper safety protocols to prevent workplace deaths.

In Texas, the leading causes of death were being struck by objects on site (54 deaths) and vehicle crashes (53 deaths), which is a stark statistic which highlights the dangers of driving on roads through West Texas, where the oil and gas industry moves at a fast pace.

Importance of Workplace Safety Protocols

The importance of workplace safety protocols cannot be overstated. These protocols serve as a critical shield that protect workers from the myriad of hazards they get exposed to daily. Mitigating the risks posed by heavy and hazardous equipment is not just about preventing injuries but preserving lives. Safety protocols encompass a broad range of measures, from the correct handling of machinery to emergency response plans. 

Training Practices

Effective and regular training practices form the backbone of safety in the gas extraction industry. They equip offshore workers and those handling heavy equipment with the knowledge and skills to perform their duties safely and competently. Training is not a one-time event but a continuous journey, vital for new hires and seasoned employees alike.

Well-servicing companies and gas extraction entities often implement training programs that cover:

• The correct operation of heavy equipment
• The recognition and reporting of hazards
• Emergency procedures, including evacuation and first aid
• Hands-on use of safety valves and other preventive devices

Such programs must be comprehensive and tailored to the specific risks associated with various roles within the industry. From the drilling floor to the administrative offices, every member of an oil company should understand the safety measures pertinent to their responsibilities and be ready to act in the event of an incident.

To reinforce their importance, these training practices should be conducted with regular refreshers and updates, ensuring that all workers stay current with the latest safety protocols and regulations. This commitment to training is a demonstrable measure of how seriously gas companies take the well-being of their workforce and the integrity of their operations.

Identifying Dangerous Companies

While numerous gas companies strive for rigorous safety protocols, there’s an undeniable identification mark for companies that do not take safety seriously. Key indicators include a higher-than-average fatality rate, increased reports of catastrophic incidents, such as explosions and fires, and a ceaseless tally of severe personal injuries like broken bones and traumatic occupational fatalities recorded within these gas operations. The identification of these dangerous companies is essential for prospective employees, industry regulators, and ethical investors who all have a vested interest in prioritizing safe, responsible offshore operations and maintenance practices.

Compensation May be Available to You

Gas companies and oil companies are bound by legal obligations to ensure the safety of workers. Compensation varies based on the specifics of each case. Morrow & Sheppard, LLP has recovered tens of millions for clients injured in the oilfield. As one example, our firm recovered $21,800,000 for a worker that sustained a traumatic brain injury while working in the oilfield.

 If you or a loved one has been injured at work, don’t hesitate to reach out to Morrow & Sheppard LLP for a free consultation. Our dedicated team of trial attorneys is here to provide you with the support and guidance you need during this challenging time. You can call our firm at 866-868-2750 or complete our contact form.  We’re ready to help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve.