How OSHA Regulations Protect Oil Field Workers in North Dakota

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is responsible for setting and enforcing workplace safety standards across the country, including in the oil industry. These regulations are designed to protect workers from unnecessary risks and ensure that employers follow the right safety protocols. At Larson Law Injury & Accident Lawyers, we understand that workers can suffer life-altering injuries (or worse) when companies fail to follow OSHA regulations.

What is OSHA?

OSHA was created in 1970 by President Nixon to improve workplace safety and reduce job-related injuries and fatalities. It applies to most employers in the United States, including the oil and gas companies operating in North Dakota. The agency sets rules for:

• Safe handling of hazardous materials
• Proper training and protective gear
• Equipment maintenance and safety inspections
• Emergency response procedures
• Workers’ rights and employer responsibilities

OSHA regulations are vital for oil field workers. The oil and gas industry is one of the most hazardous in the country, with higher than average workplace injury and fatality rates. OSHA’s rules are meant to minimize these risks and hold employers responsible for creating a safe work environment.

What oil field hazards does OSHA address?

OSHA has specific regulations to prevent accidents and reduce the risks associated with oil drilling and extraction work.

Explosions and fires

Oil fields are full of flammable gases, chemicals, and fuels that can ignite with one spark. OSHA requires employers to:

• Use proper storage and handling for flammable substances
• Implement fire prevention plans
• Ensure all workers receive fire safety training

Even a small mistake can lead to a catastrophic explosion without these precautions, causing severe burns or fatalities.

Toxic chemical exposure

Oil field workers can be exposed to dangerous chemicals, including hydrogen sulfide, benzene, and silica dust. These types of substances can cause serious health issues, including lung disease, cancer, and neurological damage. OSHA requires proper ventilation systems, routine air monitoring, PPE like respirators and gloves, and safety data sheets for hazardous materials.

Employers who ignore these requirements put their workers at risk for serious and long-term health problems.

Falls from heights

Oil rigs and drilling sites feature elevated platforms, ladders, and scaffolding, which can increase the risk of falls. OSHA mandates the use of guardrails, harnesses, and fall protection systems. They also require regular inspections of ladders and scaffolding and to provide training on fall prevention techniques.

Falls are one of the leading causes of workplace deaths, but proper safety measures can help prevent a tragic accident. The National Safety Council reports, “In 2022, 865 workers died in falls, and hundreds of thousands were injured badly enough to require days off of work. A worker doesn’t have to fall from a high level to suffer fatal injuries; 144 workers were killed in falls on the same level in 2022.”

Heavy machinery and equipment accidents

Oil fields also rely on massive drilling rigs, cranes, and moving vehicles. When equipment is poorly maintained or operated improperly, workers can be crushed, electrocuted, or struck by moving objects. OSHA regulations require regular maintenance of equipment, lockout/tagout procedures to prevent accidental startups and operator training that helps ensure workers know how to use machinery in a safe manner.

Employers that skip maintenance or rush through training increase the risk of serious injuries happening.

Fatigue and overwork

Long shifts in harsh conditions can lead to fatigue, resulting in errors, slow reaction times, and an increased risk of accidents. OSHA requires employers to provide rest breaks and a safe work environment, address the dangers of fatigue in safety programs, and monitor workers for signs of exhaustion or heat stress.

Companies that push workers beyond their limits increase the chances of a deadly mistake.

What are an employer’s OSHA responsibilities?

Employers in North Dakota’s oil fields must follow OSHA regulations. These include:

• Providing ongoing safety training
• Supplying protective gear
• Maintaining equipment
• Conducting hazard assessments
• Reporting accidents and injuries promptly

If a company fails to meet these responsibilities, it can be held accountable for worker injuries.

What is an OSHA inspection?

OSHA conducts workplace inspections, randomly or in response to a worker complaint or accident.

During an OSHA inspection, an OSHA officer arrives unannounced to assess safety conditions. They check the equipment, training records, and safety procedures. They also interview workers about the conditions at the site. If they find violations, OSHA can issue citations and fines.

Employers who violate OSHA regulations can face serious penalties, including fines, shutdown orders, and legal consequences. Repeated violations could even lead to criminal charges in extreme cases if an employer is knowingly endangering its workers.

How can I protect my rights as an oil field worker?

Even with OSHA protections in place, some employers might cut corners to save money or meet production deadlines. If you work in an oil field, it’s important that you understand your rights and know how to take action if your safety is at risk.

For example, if you see broken equipment, chemical leaks, or missing safety gear, report it to your supervisor. If they continue to ignore the issue, you can file a confidential complaint with OSHA.

You also have the right to refuse to work in dangerous conditions without fear of being fired.

If you’re injured on the job, get medical care immediately. Remember that some injuries, like toxic exposure or internal injuries, may not show symptoms right away. This is why it’s so important to see a doctor as soon as possible. This also gives you a record of your injuries.

Oil field work is dangerous. If you were injured due to your employer’s negligence or OSHA violations, you may be entitled to compensation. At Larson Law Injury & Accident Lawyers, our oilfield accident attorneys can help you file a claim and hold your employer accountable for safety violations. If you’ve been hurt, we can help you secure the compensation to which you’re entitled. Call our Minot personal injury attorneys now or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation in Fargo, Minot, or Bismarck.