Understanding the Health Risks Associated With Working in an Oilfield

Our Houston Oilfield Injury Attorneys Detail the Causes and Conditions Related to This Challenging Work

The oil and gas industry is a cornerstone of the global economy, but it involves substantial risks. While explosions and fires are well-known dangers, the physical demands and exposure to hazardous materials also pose a threat to worker safety—and cause considerable health problems. There are the well-known dangers of explosions and fires inherent in the occupation.

There are ways to mitigate these risks, but should you suffer workplace illness or injury, trust the professionals at Terry & Thweatt, P.C. Since 2008, we’ve assisted oilfield workers by defending their legal rights. Here’s what you should know about what conditions might be eligible for a personal injury claim for job-related accident losses.

What Causes Oilfield Injury Risks?

While it’s common knowledge that oilfields are dangerous environments, it’s still up to employers to ensure reasonably safe workspaces for their employees. However, unforeseen issues can occur and contribute to possible catastrophic injury risks, some of which include:

Inadequate safety training
Improper equipment maintenance or failures
Neglected safety protocols
Slip and falls
Falling objects
Dangerous weather conditions

Invisible Airborne Threats Common in the Oilfield

Workers also face constant exposure to a cocktail of potentially harmful substances. Regularly inhaling the following contaminants irritates the lungs, causes respiratory problems, and even leads to more severe health issues in the future.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

These often have strong odors and result in eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Long-term exposure to some VOCs has been linked to an increased risk of cancer.

Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S)

This colorless gas has a rotten egg odor, and even lower-level exposure causes respiratory irritation, headaches, and fatigue. However, inhaling high concentrations can lead to sudden death.

Silica Dust

The creation of silica dust takes place during sandblasting and other processes. It lodges deep in the lungs and causes a condition known as silicosis. When this dust is inhaled in large doses over time, it hinders breathing capacity and permanently scars lung tissue. Other symptoms of silicosis include:

Cough
Fatigue
Chest pain

There’s also a higher risk of developing:

Asthma
Bronchitis
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
Tuberculosis
Autoimmune disease
Lung cancer
Kidney disease

How Oilfield Work Takes a Toll on the Body

Many jobs involve long hours, repetitive motions, and heavy lifting, which can contribute to a host of physical problems and debilitations.

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)

MSDs are conditions that affect muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and bones. Common MSDs in oilfield work include back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and rotator cuff injuries.

Hearing Loss

Constant exposure to loud noises from machinery, drilling operations, and explosions over long periods of time damages hearing. Oilfield workers have an increased risk of developing noise-induced hearing loss.

Heat Stress

Working long hours in hot and humid environments puts workers in danger of dehydration, heat exhaustion, and even heatstroke.

Long-Term Health Effects of Oilfield Health Risks

The health risks associated with oilfield work aren't always immediately noticeable. Chronic exposure to hazardous substances and the physical strain of the job can increase the risk of developing severe health problems later in life.

Respiratory Problems

As previously outlined, long-term inhalation of irritants and dust can lead to many chronic pulmonary issues, which compromises your ability to fight infection, pneumonia, and other illnesses.

Cardiovascular Disease

The physical demands of the job, combined with potential exposure to certain chemicals, contribute to an increased chance of developing heart disease.

Cancer

Repeated exposure to certain chemicals like benzene, a known carcinogen, puts you at risk for developing acute myeloid leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and other cancers.

Protecting Yourself From Oilfield Illness and Injury

While the perils of oilfield work are significant, there are steps you can take to minimize the health risks. In addition to being proactive about safety and looking out for your fellow co-workers, also do the following:

Stay up to date on all safety protocols and workplace education
Always wear Proper Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Be aware of your surroundings
Stay hydrated
Communicate openly and clearly with co-workers

Working in this industry is demanding physically and mentally, so prioritize your well-being by maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Managing your stress and ensuring you’re well-rested before returning to work each day helps mitigate the risk of injury and subsequent damages.

How Terry & Thweatt, P.C. Can Help You After an Oilfield-Related Health Crisis

Unfortunately, understanding the health risks of this industry is only half the battle. Oilfield workers experiencing health problems connected to their job should take the following steps:

Seek medical attention. See a doctor for a thorough diagnosis and discuss your concerns. Be sure to mention your work environment and any potential hazardous exposures.
Report the injury or illness. Inform your employer about your health condition and that you believe it's work-related. Document the date and details of the report.
Document everything. Keep copies of medical records, doctor's notes, treatment recommendations, work schedules, and any other information related to your health issue and workplace conditions.
Consult an attorney. A skilled Houston oilfield injury lawyer, like the professionals at Terry & Thweatt, P.C., will advise you of your legal rights and options. We’ll help you navigate the complexities of workers' compensation claims—potential lawsuits against your employer if negligence is involved. We’ll also provide a fair assessment of the economic impact your workplace illness and injury caused, and pursue the economic and non-economic damages you deserve as compensation.