Transportation Injuries Are the Most Common Type for Oil & Gas Workers
The oil industry is a dangerous industry by nature. Although the media coverage of this industry is often focused on these “disasters,” they often do not direct attention to one of the primary causes of worker deaths and injuries: transportation.
The leading cause of workers’ deaths in North Dakota is transportation. Many of the motor vehicle accidents happen on highways, but many occur in remote work site locations. These areas are often spread out, and accessed via poorly maintained rural roads that lack certain safety features found on standard roads and highways, such as proper signage, firm shoulders, and more. An inexperienced truck driver, perhaps carrying toxic or flammable materials, could easily wreck on one of these roads.
There is a hazard for these workers simply going to work and back home, too. Many of these remote sites lack housing for workers, requiring them to travel long distances of multiple hours just for their daily commute.
Worker fatigue is a serious problem
Workers put in long hours when performing oil and gas extraction activities. This can result in significant fatigue that catches up with workers when driving home on dark, unlit roads. Also, many workers in this industry are young males who live in rural areas, and have a greater tendency not to wear seat belts than the average driver.
Oil and gas worker injuries from onsite transportation operations
Aside from the dangers of hauling oil and gas across country, there are also dangers to those carrying materials around a site.
Employees who are unloading and loading materials may lose footing on slippery surfaces and fall. They could be crushed if the materials come loose and fall on them. Other drivers maybe be subjected to toxic chemical exposure when natural gas or oil leaks during transport operations. This can lead to respiratory injuries or serious burns, especially if their employers fail to implement proper safety procedures that are demanded by federal and/or state regulatory agencies. These regulations are meant to protect oil and gas workers from unnecessary injury and harm as the transport and handle petrochemicals.
At Larson Law Firm, we understand the devastating injuries oil and gas workers can suffer in the field – but we also know the dangers to truckers, and to tired workers. If you or a loved one was injured in an oil or gas transport accident, our injury lawyers in Minot and Bismarck can help. We can guide your case through any obstacles presented by the other party to fight for the financial recovery you are owed under the law. To setup up a free, no-obligation case review to discuss your situation, call us at 701.484.HURT, or send us a message through our contact form.
Mark Larson is a Certified Civil Trial Specialist and Certified Civil Pre-Trial Specialist focusing on personal injury, car accidents, wrongful death, and oil field claims. Since 1979, Larson Law Firm has served the injured throughout North Dakota. Read more about Mark V. Larson.