Dangers of West Texas Oilfields | Injuries, Explosions and More

West Texas has become not only one of the most lucrative oil industries in the United States, but in the world. Just last year, the oil fields in West Texas, known as the Permian Basin, became the world’s largest oil producer according to Forbes, outpacing production for all other OPEC nations, including Saudi Arabia. The economy in San Angelo and its workforce has benefited from this boom. However, the dangers of West Texas oilfields are a constant threat to the employees that work in them.

If you or a loved one was injured in an oilfield accident, a West Texas oilfield injury attorney can help. At Carabin Shaw, we know how difficult an injury or death can be, which is why we promise to do more than any other law firm when working on your case. Every attorney at our firm has the experience and expertise to help you win what you deserve.

Every day, oilfield employees in San Angelo are at risk for serious injuries or death due to the nature of work in the oil industry. The constant threat of explosions, demanding conditions, and use of heavy machinery all make working in the oilfield a dangerous job. The following list are the most common causes of an oilfield accident in San Angelo:

1. Improper training - The oilfield requires extensive training for optimal safety. New employees should be trained at roughneck and drilling training schools, but sometimes employers hire workers without training simply because their demand is too high. When improperly trained employees are in the field, it is a hazard for everyone on the job. This negligence on the employer’s part could have disastrous consequences. If you believe improper training relates to your accident, speak with an attorney about your options.
2. Malfunctioning equipment - The heavy duty machinery in the oilfield must be properly maintained. If it isn’t, employees will suffer the consequences. Heavy machinery should have routine maintenance, but often times this routine check is overlooked so that production doesn’t halt. To learn more about liability in the case of malfunctioning equipment, talk to a lawyer.
3. Negligent supervision - More often than not, oilfields are understaffed, which means employees have to work without supervision at times. When employees new to the field are working without guidance from someone with more experience, they are more prone to cause an accident. In lieu of off-site training, many oil field sites offer on-the-job training. While this sounds good in theory, often it doesn’t happen because employees are spread too thin. A West Texas oilfield injury attorney can tell you more.
4. Ignored safety regulations - The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) delineates specifies regulations to prevent hazards such as vehicle accidents, explosions and fires, trips and falls, chemical exposures, and more. Among other rights, OSHA states that employees have the right to “working conditions that do not pose a risk of serious harm.” Nevertheless, safety regulations are often ignored or overlooked in the service of production. If you have questions about safety regulations and your accident, speak with a San Angelo personal injury lawyer.

The dangers of West Texas oilfields are real. If you or a loved one has been in an oilfield accident in San Angelo, you need representation. Carabin Shaw is a law firm that believes in helping victims. We care about assisting families through this difficult time. There’s a reason we’ve been named a top 10 law firm for client satisfaction, and that’s because we put people first. When you work with a lawyer from our staff, you’re working with someone who has vowed to do everything in their power to make the most of your case. If you need a West Texas oilfield injury attorney, we are at your service. Call us today for a free consultation with a San Angelo personal injury lawyer on our team at 432-620-0544.