Bakken Oil Related Injuries/Deaths Leads to Increase of Osha

The oil boom in North Dakota has been considered by many as a great thing for the local economy. It has brought jobs and significant income to the state. Unfortunately, with the positives of something new also comes the negatives. The number of work related injuries and deaths had been increasing and the majority of these incidents involve the oil, gas, and construction industry jobs.

In total, 34 work related deaths have been reported since 2012. Of those, 21 have been tied to workers in the oil industry alone. Workers servicing oil rigs are constantly exposed to hazardous situations, including fires, equipment dangers, and explosions.

Because of the high number of worker deaths, OSHA has temporarily assigned extra workers to its North Dakota office. The area director for OSHA has stated that employers are responsible for protecting employees and OSHA is going to continue doing its part by providing increased safety inspections and training. So far, the increase of OSHA involvement has proven beneficial and fatalities have decreased.

While more is being done to help prevent work related injuries and deaths, accidents do still happen. When they do, those who have been injured or have lost a loved one may be left physically, emotionally or even financially scarred. Workers’ compensation claims can be made against an employer, as well as other legal action against third party tortfeasors if negligence is discovered to have contributed to the accident. Employees in North Dakota and their families don’t have to face these situations alone. Financial relief for the injury or death suffered may be awarded during this trying time.

Source: safety.blr.com, “OSHA sends extra enforcement staff to North Dakota“, July 21, 2014.