Common Types of Oil and Gas Field Injuries

Working in the oil and gas field industry comes with significant risks. Not only are employees working around incredibly complex machinery, but also hazardous materials on a regular basis. Unfortunately, serious injuries can occur that can leave a lasting impact on a person’s quality of life. Here, we want to examine some of the most common injuries associated with the oil and gas field industries.

Burn Injuries

Oil and gas workers can be burned either by chemicals used in the extraction process or by fires. Burns that are relatively minor typically clear up in a month or so after the injury occurs, but more severe third- and fourth-degree burns can permanently damage the skin and underlying tissues. This can include damage to the muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. Larger affected areas may need advanced medical care, including surgery and skin grafts.

Broken Bones

Oil field workers can sustain broken bones in a variety of ways. This can include slip and fall incidents caused by a loss of footing or some other type of hazard. Additionally, fractures can occur as a result of defective equipment striking workers or getting caught in between two moving objects or one moving in one fixed object.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Oil and gas workers can sustain traumatic brain injuries if they suffer any type of bump or blow to the head or body. There are various levels of TBIs that individuals can experience. Mild traumatic brain injuries are considered concussions, and individuals will usually heal from these injuries in a few weeks. However, more severe traumatic brain injuries can lead to significant physical or cognitive impairments.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries can result in major long-term complications for oil field workers. Depending on the severity of the injury, individuals could sustain partial or complete paralysis below the site of the injury. A spinal cord injury can occur anytime a person partially or completely severs the spinal cord, and this can occur on the job site as a result of a major fall, defective equipment, and explosions.

Crush Injuries or Amputations

Individuals can sustain amputations or crush injuries at a hazardous job site, including oil fields. Workers can become trapped under equipment, which could lead to a crush injury or an eventual amputation. Additionally, getting caught in between moving objects or one moving object and one fixed object could result in a crush injury or amputation. Individuals who sustain these types of injuries often need advanced medical treatment and typically sustain lifelong disabilities.

Exposure Injuries

Oil field workers are typically exposed to a wide range of harsh environments, both natural and man-made. This includes exposure to extreme temperatures as well as exposure to hazardous chemicals. Long-term exposure to any natural or man-made hazard can result in significant health complications. This can include injuries such as heat stroke and an increased risk of skin cancer as well as a risk of internal diseases such as lung diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and more.

Working With an Attorney

If you or somebody you care about has sustained an injury while working in the oil and gas industry, we encourage you to reach out to an attorney who can help you recover compensation for your losses. These claims can be incredibly challenging, but an attorney can investigate the incident and help you stand up to aggressive insurance carriers or employers.