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Working in one of the many New Mexico oil fields can be very dangerous, and when there is an accident, it is usually the oil worker who suffers the consequences. Physical and mental injuries caused by an accident on an oil field can have a devastating effect both emotionally and financially on you and your family. That’s why it’s important to know New Mexico oil field injury lawyers who can help you.
If you’ve suffered an injury from an accident at work, you may be lost on what to do next or who could be held responsible; a casing crew, wireline services, company man, or one of many others could be responsible depending on the circumstances. You may wish to speak with a New Mexico personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to have your case evaluated. If you or a loved one have suffered from a work injury in a New Mexico oil field, call Zinda Law Group today at (800) 863-5312 for a 100% free consultation with one of our personal injury lawyers.
Causes of oil field accidents in New Mexico
The primary duty of drill workers in the oil field is to operate and maintain drilling on an oil rig. The drill workers comply with safety protocols and work with other crew members to ensure the continuous operation of drilling equipment. Surely they take great care most of the time; nevertheless, accidents unfortunately still happen on the rig.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there were 69 fatal oil rig accidents in 2017. Of these 69 fatalities, three occurred in New Mexico oil fields. The largest number of fatalities affected workers aged 21-30, and the fatally injured workers on average had less than a year of experience in the industry.
There are a number of conditions and events that can result in an injury on an oil drilling rig. A few of these occurrences include the following:
Defective Drilling Rigs, Wellheads, and Other Machinery
Damaged tongs, manufacturing defects, and corroded parts all create faulty equipment which could not only prevent workers from doing their jobs but can also result in severe injury or even death. Other defects that can result in injury include improperly designed or installed safety features, outdated equipment, and weak operating systems.
Explosions
When there is a blowout, the result may be an exploding rig. This could lead to numerous injuries or deaths depending on the amount of pressure being released, especially if any equipment is thrown during the process.
Poisonous Gas Exposure
Drilling deep underground can cause contact with pipes some cameras can’t see or detect. This could lead to toxic exposure to hydrogen sulfide mercury, silica, or naturally occurring radioactive materials. Prolonged exposure can lead to long-term breathing problems or death.
Human Error or Negligence
Accidents on an oil field are often caused by human error or negligence. One such example is when someone operates dangerous machinery while under the influence of illicit substances. When other innocent workers get injured because of that intoxicated person’s inability to operate large equipment, the negligent worker should be held responsible for those injuries or the deaths of coworkers.
Other sources of accidents caused by human error or negligence which may result in injury or death include:
- Rushing jobs and failing to perform a necessary hazard analysis
- Increased length of time on the job
- Failure to follow industry regulations or company safety procedures
- Dropped objects, including piping, lights, tools, and rigging
- Continuing work during hazardous weather conditions
- Employing subcontractors who are inadequately trained or supervised
- Rig maintenance, repairs, or drilling operations
Electrocutions
Underground wiring which comes into contact with the equipment workers use each day could lead to electrocution. If nearby utility poles give way, wires could snap and electrocute people nearby.
Slips and Falls
Oil is undoubtedly slick and the threat of injuring your back or neck, breaking bones, and even becoming paralyzed from a fall on oil spills is very real. Other causes of injuries in New Mexico oil fields include:
- Damage to equipment and equipment failure
- Lack of safety equipment
- Outdated industrial equipment
- Lack of information given to employees
- Vehicle accidents and collisions
- Heavy equipment collapses
- Structural damage to the rig
- Equipment failure