Working in an oil field is an important but potentially dangerous job. Safety practices may vary widely depending on which company an employee works for, leaving some workers at a high risk of obtaining an on-the-job injury.
Here are some of the common causes of oil field injuries in oil-producing states such as North Dakota.
Explosions and fires
Oil is able to ignite with just a small spark, making explosions and fires one of the leading causes of injuries in the oil industry. Lack of equipment maintenance and improper employee supervision are two of the many factors that make an oil field more at risk of fires and explosions. Fires can spread rapidly and become devastating quickly, so this is a great cause of concern for oil workers.
Slips and falls
Oil itself is greasy, so it makes sense that working around this material would put a worker at greater risk of a slip and fall. Some ways to reduce this hazard include proper cleaning and picking up equipment that someone could easily trip over.
Exposure to chemicals
Exposure to chemicals such as hydrocarbon gases in the oil industry is another cause of on-the-job injuries. Exposure to these gases under the wrong circumstances has the potential to cause seizures and organ damage. Always wear proper personal protective equipment when dealing with harmful chemicals.
Knowing some of the most common causes of oil field injuries can not only help you avoid them but allow you to get the help you need if you are a victim of those injuries.