Slips, Trips, and Falls In The Oilfield

Oilfield slips, trips, and falls

Injuries caused by slips, trips, and falls in the oilfield are common, as oilfield workers often work long hours in challenging outdoor environments, increasing the likelihood of a slip or a trip. In fact, slips, trips, and falls are the third leading cause of injury in the upstream oil and gas industry. Slip and falls are also the primary cause of lost workdays across all industries, and the majority of all OSHA citations issued are for violating “fall protection” standards.

Factors Affecting Oilfield Slips, Trips, and Falls

The most significant contributing factors to slips, trips, and falls in the oilfield are states of mind, like rushing and fatigue, which lead to industrial workplace errors. Other common causes of these types of oilfield accident injuries include:

  • Spills and obstructions on the ground
  • Openings left uncovered or not being clearly marked and blocked off
  • Failing to provide and/or use appropriate PPE and fall protection systems
  • Harness failure
  • Improper rigging methods
  • Failing to use anti-slip measures such as slip-resistant boots or non-slip mats
  • Not regularly inspecting guardrails, steps, ladders, and other similar equipment
  • Negligent maintenance, repair, and/or upkeep of machinery
  • Electrical cords and cables stretched across a walkway
  • Weather issues such as snow, hail, sleet, or rain, which make things slippery

Often, we underestimate how dangerous a simple fall can be. Injuries most commonly associated with slips, trips, and falls are head injuries, back injuries, and pulled or strained muscles. Slip, trip, and fall accidents cause many types of injuries, including:

  • Broken or fractured bones
  • Sprained ankles or wrists
  • Knee damage
  • Shoulder dislocation
  • Muscle sprain or strain
  • Spinal cord injury
  • Traumatic brain injury

Oilfield Slip and Fall Accidents

A workplace slip and fall can leave you injured and unable to work. If you were injured in a fall while on-the-job, your ability to file a claim and recover financial damages in Texas is not as simple as you think. If you suffered a slip, trip, or fall at an oil or gas extraction site, our experienced oilfield accident lawyers can determine who is at fault and how to help you recover, so contact us today.

Schedule your FREE Case
Consultation

GET A FREE CONSULTATION 713.522.3000