In recently released data, the U.S. Chemical Safety Board (CSB) reported there have been 44 fatalities due to explosive accidents involving oil and gas drilling sites at locations throughout the nation. Nine of those deaths occurred in Oklahoma. But according to the board, every one of the tragedies could have been stopped by improved safety rules and procedures, as reported by News OK.
The agency presented a number of updated suggestions aimed at heightening safe workplace practices at oil and natural gas sites. The board also asked state regulators in Oklahoma, Mississippi, and Texas to mandate new rules for designing safer, contemporary oil and gas tanks that efficiently reduce the instance of explosions. The Oklahoma Corporation Commission said it is reviewing the board’s suggestions. Additionally, an official with the Chemical Safety Board told News OK that a lot of oil and natural gas production sites are located way too close (150 to 300 feet) from public establishments as well as homes, and do not have adequate signage or blockades to stop public entrance.
Investigators from the federal board visited the state in 2010 after a fatal oil site accident close to Weleetka, OK, caused one fatality and one injury. The agency’s increased focus on these industrial workplace dangers were directly spurred from that incident, as well as two more in other states (TX and MS) that occurred during October 2009 and April 2010.
This comes shortly after new statistics by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) exhibited an annual surge of 11 percent in the state’s overall workplace deaths during 2010. If you’ve been injured in an Oklahoma oil or gas production accident, contact the Oklahoma City personal injury attorneys with Maples Law Firm at 1(888) 226-6159. Call for a free case review today.
An explosion of a gas drilling rig illuminated the sky close to Watonga, OK, this past week. Town officials ordered the evacuation of nearby homes and said the flames may burn for a number of days, according to The Enid News and Eagle and Associated Press. Reports stated that no one was injured or killed, however, the incident occurs at a time when increased federal and local authorities are focusing on drilling safety.
Unfortunately, Oklahoma has seen its share of oil field eruptions and fires. The unpredictable nature of the substances involved can cause large fires without warning. Corporations may take shortcuts to meet deadlines and turn larger profits while workers may be directed to use antiquated equipment to minimize cost. Luckily, the damages in this recent accident have been confined and relatively minimal, but that’s not always the case. Destruction can occur to properties nearby the event, and severe injuries or fatalities can be suffered by individuals in the region of the explosion.
Trauma that an individual can suffer as a result of an Oklahoma oil field explosion includes:
- Loss of sight and hearing;
- Broken or fractured bones;
- Limb loss;
- Damage to nerves;
- Burn injuries; and
- Spinal cord wounds.
The oil field or operating company should be held legally accountable for accidents resulting in injuries, fatalities, and property destruction. If you or a loved has been injured in an Oklahoma oil field accident, contact the Oklahoma City oil field injury attorneys at Maples Law Firm for a complimentary case review. Call 1-888-429-0609 today.
Oil field explosions in Oklahoma, sadly, are not unheard of. Big oil companies run large oil fields and oftentimes the safety of their employees isn’t their first priority. Naturally, oil fields produce very volatile chemicals in liquid, solid, and gas form, which can cause huge explosions if ignited. The result of any Oklahoma oil field explosion may be extensive damage to the field itself, any property within range of the explosion, and catastrophic injury or death to anyone in the area when the explosion occurs.
Because oil companies may cut corners in order to boost productivity, it is not uncommon for employees to be forced to use outdated equipment or for the oil company to ignore equipment that may need to be replaced, refuse or fail to install new machinery, or require workers to cut corners to make deadlines. When this type of negligence occurs and an Oklahoma oil field explosion results, the oil company can be held legally responsible for all subsequent injury, wrongful deaths, and property damage.
Some injuries that a person can endure in an Oklahoma oil field explosion include:
- Blindness and/or loss of hearing;
- Broken bones;
- Loss of limbs;
- Nerve damage;
- Severe burns; and
- Spinal cord injury.
In some of the worst cases, a person’s injuries may be so extensive that they do not survive, which leaves the family of that individual grieving and heartbroken. In addition to the loss of a loved one or a serious injury where a person may survive, but is left with injuries that require several surgeries and medical treatment, the bills and expenses can skyrocket quickly.
If you have you been seriously injured or have lost a loved one in an oil field explosion in Oklahoma, it would be in your best interest to contact an experienced Oklahoma oil field explosion injury attorney like those at The Maples Law Firm. Our lawyers have the knowledge and the means to fully examine the details of your injury and build a strong case on your behalf. If negligence contributed to your injuries, we will fight to ensure that the responsible party is held liable for their actions. To learn more about how we can help you following an oil field explosion accident in Oklahoma, contact The Maples Law Firm at 1-888-429-0609 for a free consultation.
