Oil Drilling Becoming Increasingly Dangerous for Texas Workers

????May 26, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Oil drilling is one of the most dangerous careers in the country. In Texas, fatal accidents on oil rigs have been on the rise in recent years. According to the Department of Labor, 35 Texas oil rig workers were killed on the job in 2003. That number rose to 49 in 2007, and only dipped slightly to 45 in 2010.

The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also reports that in South Texas, increased drilling efforts in the Eagle Ford Shale have led to a spike in fatal Texas oil rig accidents. In this region, seven oil field workers lost their lives last year, compared to three in 2010.

"It may be true that there's a lot of folks in the oil and gas industry doing things a certain way and don't want to change. The truth is, something has to change because we need to affect these fatalities," explained the director of the OSHA office in Corpus Christi.

Causes of Oil Drilling Rig Injuries

There are several conditions in the oil industry that contribute to the prevalence of workplace injuries. Employees tend to work grueling hours, sometimes being scheduled for 12-hour shifts for up to 14 consecutive days. Wells often operate 24/7 despite extreme weather conditions. In addition, productivity demands have meant that new workers are often brought on before they have the experience needed to remain safe.

A common cause of injury on oil rigs is what the Department of Labor refers to as "struck by" injuries. These injuries may occur when high pressure causes debris to fly into the air, or part of the rig swings loose and hits a worker. Some of the most common injuries suffered by workers on oil rigs include traumatic brain injuries, burns, broken bones, and injuries to the neck and the back.

If You've Been Injured

If you or a loved one has been injured in an oil rig accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Consult a qualified personal injury attorney who can advise you of your rights and help hold the negligent parties accountable.

Article provided by The Edwards Law Firm
Visit us at www.edwardsfirm.com

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