Most oil fields are in remote areas where the environment is harsh and the work is dangerous. Oil field workers are prone to hurdles like
- Fires
- Explosions
- Gas poisoning
- Equipment failures
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the oil and gas extraction industry had a fatal injury rate of 14.2 per 100,000 workers in 2021.
If you’ve encountered similar circumstances, you should consult an experienced oil field injury attorney who will help in claiming compensation.
In this blog post, we will explain the six reasons why accidents may occur in oil fields and how they can be prevented.
Poor Training
Inadequate training of the workers is one of the main reasons for oil field accidents. To work in the oil field, the workers should have specialized skills and knowledge.
However, some workers lack adequate training or experience, especially when there is a high demand for labor or a shortage of experienced individuals. This can contribute to errors, mistakes, or violations that endanger themselves and others.
To prevent accidents caused by poor training, oil companies should invest in regular training programs for their workers.
Pipeline Explosions or Fires
Pipelines are used to transport gas and oil from the wells to the processing facilities or markets. However, pipelines can leak, rupture, or explode due to several factors, like
- Erosion
- Corrosion
- Natural disasters
- Sabotage
When this happens, the oil or gas can ignite and cause massive explosions or fires, which can result in
- Injuries
- Deaths
- Property damage
- Environmental pollution
Pipelines must be regularly inspected, maintained, and repaired, as well as equipped with safety devices and sensors that can detect and stop leaks or fires. By doing so, oil field accidents can be prevented.
Defective or Faulty Equipment
Defective or faulty equipment is also a major cause of oil field accidents. The following oil field equipment are subject to high pressure, stress, and temperature that can cause them to break down, malfunction, or fail.
- Pumps
- Rigs
- Vehicles
- Tanks
- Pipes
- Valves
If this occurs, the equipment can release oil or gas, cause flames or sparks, or injure workers. Oil equipment should be regularly inspected, tested, and replaced to prevent accidents caused by faulty equipment.
Failure to Check Equipment Levels
Failing to check equipment levels can lead to an oil field accident. Oil field equipment, such as pipes, tanks, and valves, has specific levels or limits that indicate the amount of gas or oil that it can hold or handle.
However, some workers may neglect to monitor or check these levels, or they may ignore or misread the alarms or indicators. This can contribute to overflowing, overfilling, or overpressurizing the equipment, which can cause leaks, spills, or explosions.
Oil field workers should check and record the equipment levels regularly. Also, follow the safety protocols and guidelines for emptying, filling, or adjusting the equipment to prevent accidents.
Ignoring Industry Regulations
Some oil field workers or operators may disregard or violate the industry regulations, either intentionally or unintentionally. This can contribute to illegal or unsafe practices, such as inadequate maintenance of equipment, improper disposal of waste, or insufficient reporting of incidents.
Oil field workers and operators should follow all the industry regulations, as well as cooperate with the public and the authorities.
Gas Poisoning
Oil and gas production can release several toxic gases, such as carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, benzene, and methane, into the soil, water, or air. These gases can lead to severe health problems, such as respiratory distress, dizziness, or even death, for workers or residents nearby.
To prevent such accidents, oil field workers must wear personal protective equipment, such as gloves, masks, and suits, as well as use ventilation systems and gas detectors. Oil field operators must implement measures to decrease or eliminate the emission of toxic gases.
Final Thoughts
Accidents at oil fields can have tragic complications that can affect the lives of workers and other individuals. Knowing some of the major reasons for oil field accidents can help minimize or prevent them. It is also necessary to follow the standards and practices of the oil and gas industry.
