The Different Ways an Oil Field Worker Might Sustain an Injury

By Your Health Magazine

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The Different Ways an Oil Field Worker Might Sustain an Injury

The job of an oil field worker is quite hazardous, as there are several risks that these professionals are exposed to. If they are not careful, they might sustain serious injuries that might cost them their lives.

It is a good idea to seek the services of oil field injury attorneys in case one sustains an injury while working in the oil field.

While hiring an attorney might be regarded as a cure for the problem after it occurs, it is equally wise to take preventive measures to ensure you’re not a victim in the first place.

One way you can do that is to be well-informed about the different ways you can get injured. In this article, we’ll provide you with this much-needed information so that you can reduce the possibility of getting injured on the job.

Equipment-Related Accidents

There are two categories of equipment used in oil fields: heavy machinery and hand and power tools. Let’s look at the kinds of accidents that might occur when using these pieces of equipment.

Heavy Machinery: This includes cranes, drilling rigs, and vehicles. Accidents that might occur when using or around these machines include:

• Crushing injuries where the worker is struck or caught between heavy equipment.
• Entanglement of body parts or clothing that are caught in moving parts leads to amputations or severe injuries.
• Malfunction of equipment, causing them to explode or move suddenly and injure those nearby. 

Hand and Power Tools: Using these tools might lead to any of these accidents:

• Cuts are usually caused by improper handling of the tools. You can read this article to learn first aid for cuts.
• Electrocution is often due to improper grounding or damaged electrical tools. 

Slips and Falls

Elevated platforms, wet surfaces, and uneven terrain are common in an oil field, and all of these can cause the following:

Trips and Slips: Liquid and oil spills on the floor make them slippery. Sometimes, equipment, cables, and hoses left in a walkway can cause a worker to trip.

Falling from Heights: It is very common to see workers on rigs or elevated platforms. If proper protective measures are not taken, a worker can fall from such heights, which can lead to serious injuries or death.

Fire and Chemical Hazards

Fire and Explosions: The possibility of these occurring is high because of the oil and gas in the working environment. These are some of the potential causes of fire and explosions in an oil field:

• Flammable materials that spill or leak and are ignited can lead to blast injuries or burns.
• An explosive atmosphere due to gas accumulation can cause an explosion, which can endanger the lives of nearby personnel.

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Overexertion and Ergonomic Injuries

The work on an oil field is physically demanding and can lead to overexertion and ergonomic injuries such as:

Heat Stress: Sometimes the temperature of an oil field can be extreme, which is why hydration is very important. You can check out this article to find out why water is important. Failure to properly hydrate can lead to heat stroke or heat exhaustion.

Muscle Sprains and Strains: Musculoskeletal injuries can occur due to awkward postures, repetitive motions, and lifting heavy objects, all of which are common when working on an oil field.

Vehicle-Related Accidents

Transportation is an important operation in an oil field, as machinery and oil products need to be transported from and to the field. In the process, any of these could cause injury to a worker:

Rollovers: There is the risk of large equipment and vehicles rolling over. This is more common when the terrain is uneven.

Vehicle Collisions: The risk of vehicle collisions increases when workers drive on undeveloped or rough roads.