According to a CDC report, the rate for fatalities during the US oil and gas boom between 2003 and 2013 when the workforce for the oil and gas extraction industry doubled in size significantly decreased by 36.3%. However, the number of work-related fatalities in the oil and gas extraction industry increased by 27.6%, with a total of 1,189 deaths during that period. To describe fatal events among oil and gas workers during this period, CDC analyzed data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI), a comprehensive database of fatal work injuries. The following are attributed to pose the highest danger:
- Transportation Incidents: More than 40 percent of fatalities during this period were caused by incidents relating to transportation. Between the years under consideration, 479 workers lost their lives as a result of transportation incidents. Incidents on land resulted in 86.2% of the transportation events that led to the loss of these lives.
- Contact with objects/equipment: Due to the use of heavy machinery in the industry, almost 26 percent of all fatalities recorded during this period were attributed to contact with objects/equipment. This accounts for the loss of 308 lives within this period.
- Fires or Explosions: 170 people died as a result of fires or explosions at work between 2003 and 2013. This accounts for 14.3 percent of all oil and gas work-related deaths during this period.
- Exposure to harmful substances or environments: Approximately 9 percent of the deaths were as a result of exposure to hazardous substances. This was attributed to 105 deaths.
- Falls, Slips, and Trips: The need to work overhead or on higher ground, Unavailability of PPEs and poor ergonomics can result in falls, slips, and trips caused 97 [8.2%] deaths within this period.
CDC reported that the highest fatality rate (44.6 per 100,000 workers) was among workers that work with drilling contractors. Well-servicing companies followed with the second highest rate of 27.9, and oil and gas operators recorded 11.6 fatalities per 100,000 workers during this period.
Contact an oilfield accident lawyer in Texas today
If a Texas oil and gas industry accident caused by negligence or unsafe work conditions have hampered your quality of life or that of a loved one, it is important you seek the services of a competent Texas oilfield lawyer like the ones at The Patel Firm PLLC. Our lead Texas trial lawyer, Minesh J Patel, is a skilled oilfield accident lawyer in Texas, who will review your case and help you get you the compensation you deserve after an oilfield injury in Texas. In cases involving Texas oilfield accidents, having a resourceful team in your corner is paramount for the success of your case. With the help of industry experts and a diligent legal team, the Corpus Christi oilfield injury lawyers at The Patel Firm PLLC will fight to recover the damages you suffer. Speak to a personal injury lawyer in Corpus Christi, Texas today at The Patel Firm’s PLLC’s Corpus Christi, to find out how we can help you.
*This blog is for informational purposes only and is not intended to, and should not be construed as legal advice.
