Texas is a top energy-producing state, responsible for nearly a quarter of the country’s domestically produced power, including more than 40 percent of the nation’s crude oil from onshore and offshore drilling sites. For many people in Houston and the rest of the Texas Gulf Coast, oilfield work is more than a job; it’s a way of life where, sadly, devastating injuries, accidents, and fatalities are all too common.
Though technological advances and strict safety regulations have helped reduce their number, oilfield accidents continue to occur frequently. These incidents can leave workers and their families grappling with life-altering injuries, mounting medical debt, and loss of income or livelihood.
Unfortunately, human error is often a contributing factor in oil industry accidents.
Keep reading to learn the various ways that even seemingly small mistakes can lead to catastrophic oilfield accidents and injuries. Then, learn how Terry & Thweatt, P.C.’s exceptional Houston-based trial lawyers help injured workers and their families explore their right to recovery.
The Complexity of Oilfield Operations Creates Opportunities for Human Error
Oilfield operations are inherently dangerous, involving many complex processes and hazardous machinery, from drilling rigs to wellheads and pipelines. This complexity creates numerous opportunities for human error, as oil workers must navigate intricate tasks requiring precision, attention to detail, and strict adherence to safety protocols.
Long Hours and Fatigue
Oilfield work is notoriously demanding, entailing long shifts, irregular hours, and extended periods away from home.
Living and working this way can take a significant toll on workers over time, resulting in exhaustion and fatigue that can impair decision-making, slow reaction times, and increase the likelihood of serious accidents.
Insufficient Training and Inadequate Supervision
Inadequate training and supervision can leave workers ill-prepared to handle the challenges of the oilfield. When oil workers lack vital skills and knowledge or are left to their own devices, they’re more likely to make mistakes or take shortcuts that compromise safety.
Complacency and Overconfidence
Oilfield work involves many repetitive tasks, which can lead to complacency and overconfidence among workers as they become increasingly familiar with their routines. This lack of attention and sense of invincibility can cause workers to cut corners or overlook potential hazards. Though the assumption is that nothing will go wrong, this type of human error plays a role in many oilfield accidents.
Communication Breakdowns
Oilfields are harried and inherently hazardous work environments, where effective communication protocols are essential to preventing horrific injuries and accidents. Misunderstandings, misinterpretations, and failures to relay critical information can occur at various levels of operation—resulting in dangerous or deadly situations.
Human Error-Related Equipment Failures
Human error doesn’t just apply to decision-making—it can also encompass equipment maintenance and operation. Failing to perform routine maintenance, inspect machinery, or follow proper procedures can cause equipment failures that trigger catastrophic oilfield accidents.
Houston Lawyers Joe Terry and Lee Thweatt Can Help if You Were Hurt or Lost a Loved One in an Oilfield Accident
Oilfield operations are governed by complex laws and regulations that pave the way for complicated litigation over injuries, accidents, and fatalities. If you were hurt or lost a loved one in a Texas oilfield accident caused by someone else’s error, you could be entitled to compensation.
Terry & Thweatt, P.C.’s highly skilled trial lawyers provide the adept, aggressive, and attentive representation needed to secure a fair financial recovery for you and your family. Depending on the facts and evidence in your case, you could be compensated for medical expenses (including the cost of future care), lost wages or earning capacity, pain and suffering, mental anguish, and other losses.