The oil and gas industry provides thousands of jobs in the state. However, it is also one of the most dangerous industries. On a daily basis, workers are exposed to heavy machinery, hazardous chemicals, extreme weather conditions, and demanding physical labor. If preventive actions are not taken, it could lead to serious injuries.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one study noted that 82,366 severe injuries in the oil and gas industry were reported to Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) between January 2015 and July 2022.
At Barrera Law Group LLC, we have helped numerous clients injured in the gas and oil fields. Here are some of the most common oilfield injuries.
Burns
Gas and oil are volatile, and there is always a risk of fire or explosions.
Unfortunately, any workers nearby could be burned by these flammable chemicals. These incidents can often occur due to equipment malfunctions, human error, or environmental factors.
These injuries can range from minor first-degree to life-threatening third-degree burns. On a more severe scale, victims often need extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation to recover from their injuries.
Along with physical pain and suffering, some individuals may also endure long-term psychological trauma from the incident.
Falls
In the oilfield, some workers have to work on elevated platforms, scaffolding, or ladders, all of which can increase their risk of falling. The danger is increased when these tasks are performed outside. These individuals must deal with slick surfaces, high winds, or unstable structures, which can lead to an accident.
According to the National Safety Council, 865 workers died in falls on the job in 2022. Many of these injuries can be severe and include spinal damage, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and even death. OSHA has strict guidelines for fall protection.
Unfortunately, accidents still occur. Often, these are due to inadequate safety measures, insufficient training, or defective equipment.
Heavy Equipment Accidental Injuries
At any oilfield in or around Albuquerque, you will find plenty of heavy machinery, including drilling rigs, cranes, forklifts, and trucks. While these machines are required for operations, they are dangerous. New Mexico oilfield workers risk being struck by heavy objects or caught in or between machinery and equipment.
Any accidents involving this equipment can lead to crushed limbs, amputations, and internal injuries. Often, these injuries can leave victims with permanent disabilities.
Chemical Exposure
The oil and gas industry uses plenty of hazardous chemicals and toxic substances.
All workers can be put at risk through inhalation, skin contact, or accidental ingestion.
Everything from respiratory problems and skin conditions to chemical burns and even cancer can develop as a result of exposure.
Many times, the effects of chemical exposure are delayed. Medical issues can develop over time and become long-term health complications in these cases.
Repetitive Stress Injuries
While many oilfield injuries are due to accidents, repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) develop over time. Since oilfield work involves lifting, drilling, or using heavy tools, these workers can develop tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and lower back pain.
Unfortunately, these injuries can impair a worker’s ability to perform their duties.
In some cases, they may need long-term physical therapy or surgery to recover.
Heat-Related Illnesses
Oilfield work in New Mexico often takes place in harsh outdoor weather. Sometimes, the temperatures can soar well above 100 degrees Fahrenheit. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can lead to heat stress and heat-related illnesses, including heat exhaustion, cramps, and stroke.
Some workers may suffer from dizziness, nausea, headaches, and heavy sweating.
In some cases, if left untreated, it can progress to heat stroke, which is a life-threatening condition leading to confusion, unconsciousness, and potentially fatal organ damage.
Legal Options for Oilfield Injuries in New Mexico
Injured oilfield workers may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, covering medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs. However, these benefits may not fully address the financial and emotional impact of a severe injury.
If there is evidence of negligence or a violation of safety regulations that contributed to the injury, workers may have the option to file a personal injury lawsuit in Albuquerque against the responsible party. This party could be an employer, equipment manufacturer, or contractor.
A lawsuit can provide monetary awards beyond workers’ compensation, including damages for pain and suffering, loss of future earnings, and punitive damages.
There is no doubt that the oil and gas industry is dangerous. Workers face the risk of an accident daily, including burns, falls, and accidents with machinery. While workers’ compensation is the most readily available form of legal recourse, there are other options in some cases.
You may want to speak to an oil field injury lawyer in Albuquerque to learn more.