Oil Field Explosions
Federal Officials Call For Increased Safety at Oil Drilling Spots
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.
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Drilling Rig Explodes Near Watonga
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.
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What Happens After an Oklahoma Oil Field Explosion?
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.
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