Oil rig blowouts are among the most severe types of workplace accidents. Serious injuries occur every day on oil rigs from accidents that could have been prevented.
For an injured oil worker, understanding the common causes of blowouts and injuries on Texas rights can guide the direction of your case. The experienced advocates with Lopez Franco, PLLC know oil rig blowouts and the devastation they cause. Contact a Houston Oil Rig Accident Attorney for a free case review.
Explosions and Fires
Without a doubt, oil rigs contain a great deal of flammable material. On top of that, there are several circumstances that can cause that flammable material to catch fire. Handling this material incorrectly can cause gas leaks and equipment failures, which can lead to explosions and fires. Unfortunately, when oil rig workers are trained improperly and safety regulations are not followed precisely, major accidents occur.
Motor Vehicle Accidents Around Oil Rigs
As anyone who has spent time in oil fields can attest, the area around oil rigs is extremely busy from a traffic perspective. Equipment that is used on oil rigs tends to be heavy and large. The combination of big trucks, fast-moving environments, and hectic schedules makes it easy for severe injuries to occur on oil field roadways.
A Silent Threat: Gas Releases
When gases are released, they present a high risk of exposure to those working in and around an oil rig. These gases can lead to significant injuries or even death, depending on the degree of exposure. Oil companies must prioritize systems to detect and eliminate gases in areas where workers are present.
Lifting Injuries
Heavy lifting is common for many employees on oil rigs. Moving, servicing, and handling equipment involves workers either lifting on their own or in tandem with coworkers. Improper form when lifting heavy objects and equipment can injure an employee. Twisting, reaching, and bending injuries can also occur during improper lifting. Lifting equipment can assist employees in moving especially heavy objects, but proper maintenance is key to keeping those machines in working order.
Improperly Managed Wells
On an oil rig, the well’s pressure must be closely monitored to ensure that the risk of a blowout is kept to a minimum. Oil rig damage due to poorly managed well pressure has a close relationship with severe injuries. Most oil rigs have sophisticated systems to monitor pressure in a well. However, if those systems are not closely watched, a sudden rise in pressure can lead to a disaster for those present.
Contact Lopez Franco, PLLC for a Free Case Review
Blowouts and Injuries on Texas Oil Rigs occur for a variety of reasons. Your rights as an injury victim should not be ignored by anyone who is in charge of safety compliance. Contact Lopez Franco, PLLC today, for a free case review. Our team of Houston Oil Rig Accident Attorneys takes the fight to the oil and gas firms and their insurance companies.