Oil Field Accidents Most Common in North Dakota

Oil Field Accidents Most Common in North Dakota

It’s no surprise to most people living in North Dakota that the oil rush is one of the biggest industries in the state. Production in the oil industry has increased 12 fold since the year 2000. Unfortunately, however, this growth spurt has come at a price, making the industry one of the most dangerous in the country. The surge of oil in North Dakota has certainly had positive impacts on the state’s economy, but with it has come increased usage of dangerous machinery and large numbers of individuals coming to the area with very little training or understanding of the risks involved.

In the Bakken oil fields, at least 74 individuals have paid the ultimate price with their life since 2006. Some of the most common accidents include individuals getting fingers jammed between pipe joints on oil rigs, or slip and fall accidents on top of oil pipes.

According to an AFLCIO death on the job report in 2015, North Dakota was named the most dangerous state in the U.S. to work in, a title North Dakota has held for three years. In 2015 alone, 14.9 deaths for every 100,000 workers were reported in North Dakota.

As more individuals have flocked to the Bakken region of North Dakota in search of job opportunities with the oil boom, the rise in deaths on the job began to increase as well. The alarming number of deaths, according to some industry experts, has to do with the lack of oversight. Since the occupational safety and health administration (OSHA) is under staffed, inspectors are not able to get out to sites in a timely manner to point out problems before accidents and deaths happen. The work on oil fields is extremely dangerous, but a lack of accountability for the companies responsible for manning these sites combined with under staffed OSHA Agency mean accidents are prime to happen.

If you have recently been involved in an accident on the job, you may have grounds for a legal claim. Consulting with an experienced personal injury attorney is important. At Larson Law Office, we’re committed to helping you work through the complex situation of filing a claim after you have been injured in an oil field accident.

No employee should have to pay the price in terms of severe injuries when a dangerous piece of equipment malfunctions, or when a worksite does not place safety as a top priority. Unfortunately, with the increased demand for oil and the need for workers and quick production, sometimes safety gets pushed lower on the priority list until an employee sustains a severe injury. If you have already been injured, contact our Minot law offices to learn more about your legal rights and your next steps.