Oil rig fires and explosions are extremely devastating to those involved. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the number of drilling rigs grew by 71 percent from 2003 to 2013. During this same time period, the number of work-related fatalities in the oil and gas extraction industry rose by a shocking 27.6 percent. This rise in fatalities indicates a focus on profits over safety as the oil industry grows by leaps and bounds. Workers, no matter what field they are in, are entitled to have a reasonably safe place to work. In fact, under the law, employers have a duty to provide a reasonably safe place to work for their employees.
Texas Oil Rig Workers Must Be Protected
Oil is big business in Texas, but it must also be a safe business. Unfortunately, this is obviously not always the case. An Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) study found that from 2003 to 2010, over 800 deaths were reported in oil/gas extraction rigs and facilities. This is seven times worse than the death rate for all U.S. industries. This is inexcusable in modern times. This is not to say there are not responsible and safe oil rig operators throughout our great state, but it only takes a few bad apples not following the rules and cutting corners to cause devastating consequences.
Samples Ames PLLC is dedicated to helping uphold sufficient safety standards in the oil rig industry through litigation with these bad actors and relish helping our clients that have been victimized by these corporations to get justice. Contact one of our experienced personal injury attorneys today.
