5 Common Oilfield Accidents

If you are working in an oil field, it’s essential to be very careful to avoid common oilfield accidents, like slips and falls. Many cases of injuries and fatalities happen in the oil and gas industry. Without observing safety measures, you may become a victim.

What are the most common oilfield accidents? 

The oil and gas industry has record high injury rates in the U.S., particularly in Texas. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Texas accounted for 40 percent of the 663 workers killed in U.S. oilfields between 2007 and 2012.

Are you working in an oilfield? Here are the most common oilfield accidents so you can know what to avoid in your line of work. #BOPProducts Click To Tweet

Here are some of the common oilfield accidents you should know.

  1. Slips and Falls
  2. Improper Training 
  3. Gas Poisoning
  4. Electrocution 
  5. Explosions

1) Slips and Falls

Slips and falls can result in serious injuries that can even end your career as an oilfield worker. As you work on elevated rigs, ensure that you don’t miss any step. In most situations, you can better avoid broken bones by putting on the proper safeguards.

2) Improper Training

Oilfields offer fast-paced working environments that need a lot of care and attention. When you haven’t received enough training on oilfield safety practices, you may injure yourself or other workers. Ensure you get enough training before going to the oilfield.

3) Gas Poisoning

Another common accident in oilfields is gas poisoning. Potentially hazardous gases like Hydrogen Sulfide can collect in places with little or no ventilation and poison workers. People exposed to this gas will experience nausea, fall unconscious, and if they are not tended to, they could die. 

4) Electrocution

When working in the oilfield, you get exposed to chemicals that can conduct electricity, increasing electrocution risks. Electrocution is a life-threatening experience that can cause unconsciousness, burns, or even death. So, always avoid exposed electrical wires.

5) Fires and Explosions

Fires and explosions must always be your top concern when working near gases in the oilfield. When pressurized gases erupt and get ignited by sparks, fires or explosions can occur and cause injuries. Unfortunately, extinguishing fire in oil fields can be very tough.

Always Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Common oilfield accidents can cause personal injury or death to workers. That’s why you should always be very careful when working in an oilfield. But in the case of an accident while at work, you can claim workers’ compensation for a work injury.

Contact us to learn more safety tips for workers in oilfields.