Oil Field Accidents

We’re no strangers to cold weather in North Dakota. While some days this February have been practically balmy compared to years past (more like April than February), the forecast shows we still have a few cold weeks ahead. This kind of cold can wreak all sorts of havoc, and oil fields are no exception. Recently,…

OSHA, Department of Labor, the IHSA: These groups and others exist to protect US workers on the job, making rules and laws about how to keep employees safe in workplaces across the country. And yet despite all of this, North Dakota consistently ranks one of the most dangerous places to work. This year, however, we…

Deaths and severe injuries from fires and explosions at oil fields in North Dakota are all too common. Many occur at saltwater disposal sites. In one recently reported explosion north of Alexander on US 85 in McKenzie County, several tanks were reported to have exploded (the cause is unknown). According to Inforum, the 40-year-old victim…

North Dakota is home to many oil field employees, construction workers, and farmers – people who contribute to the strength and infrastructure of our country. Even though their job duties vary across industries, one thing all these workers have in common are the risks they take on the job. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration…

North Dakota has the second largest oil reserve in the country. The oil and gas fields boost the economy of the state and produce jobs for thousands of hard-working people, but oil and gas production can be dangerous, exposing workers to injuries and deaths. Oil production also generates large amounts of industrial waste requiring disposal,…

The thriving oil and gas industry in North Dakota offers a variety of employment opportunities for men and women throughout the state. With one of the largest oil reserves in the country, our oil workers provide a valuable service, but not without great risk of injury. These workers deserve the highest safety standards on the…

A recent North Dakota oil well fire that burned for 16 days before being extinguished brought to mind the danger that oil workers operate around on a daily basis. Thankfully no one was injured in the McKenzie County fire, which began at one well on July 22 before spreading to two additional wells located on…

The Public Service Commission (PSC) recently authorized a $21 million pipeline conversion project that will take North Dakota oil to a hub in Wyoming. According to the PSC application, Bridger Pipeline will convert an already existing 27-mile gathering line in McKenzie County and build another 2.4 miles of eight-inch pipeline. The new transmission line will…

The Colonial pipeline caused quite a stir in recent weeks when it was hacked with no end in sight. Hundreds of people across the country rushed to fill up their gas tanks. Even in states that had not been affected, residents camped out at gas stations. North Dakota was not directly affected by the Colonial…

If you work in the North Dakota oil fields, then you know the risks you take each and every time you head out to work. Working around large, powerful equipment requires a level of skill and attentiveness, even in the best of weather. The equipment isn’t the only thing you have to remain aware of…