Professionals in the oil and gas industry often work long hours in dangerous environments. They may earn competitive wages and benefits packages because of the risk they accept. If professionals understand the most serious risks they face, they can take steps to protect themselves.
There are many major hazards that make oil and gas employment somewhat dangerous that are largely outside of a worker’s control. Professionals have exposure to hazardous chemicals, some of which could cause cancer or other illnesses. Fires and explosions at oil extraction sites tend to draw media coverage when they occur and cause catastrophic injuries for workers. Working in proximity to extraction equipment is also a source of risk. However, the single most common cause of oil and gas worker fatalities is less dramatic than many people might imagine.
What causes many oil and gas fatalities?
When looking at a statistical analysis of oil and gas sector fatalities, transportation incidents are the single most common issue. Approximately four out of 10 oil and gas worker deaths involve some kind of vehicle collision. Many of these crashes happen on highways or on the roads to extraction sites.
The need to transport heavy machinery or volatile fossil fuels may contribute to risk. The rural location of many extraction sites and the possibility of traveling on unpaved roads may also contribute to collision risk for oil and gas professionals.
Thankfully, there are laws in place that help protect oil and gas professionals injured on the job as well as survivors grieving the unexpected death of a loved one. Learning more about oil and gas industry risks can help keep professionals safe. People may also want to pursue compensation if an incident affects a worker’s health or claims their life.