A devastating oil rig explosion in Duchesne County has left one worker critically injured, raising concerns about safety in the highly dangerous oil and gas industry. Emergency crews responded swiftly to the scene, battling an intense fire that engulfed key equipment on the well pad. As investigations begin into the cause of the explosion, including oversight from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), questions about workplace safety standards and employer responsibility come to the forefront.
In the article below, the oil and gas injury lawyers at Kherkher Garcia will explore the incident, the inherent dangers of working on oil rigs, and the legal options available for injured workers and their families in such catastrophic situations.
Oil Rig Explosion Details
Fire crews were dispatched to the oil operation site around 7 a.m. after reports of an active fire. Upon arrival, emergency responders found a workover rig, a holding tank, and an oil tank battery engulfed in flames. “A total of four fire engines and three fire tenders responded to the scene with 18 firefighters working to control the blaze,” stated Josh Phillips, Director of Fire and Emergency Management for Duchesne County.
The fire was eventually extinguished, but the worker was critically injured and transported to a nearby hospital for treatment.
Hollie Brown, spokesperson for the Utah Division of Oil, Gas and Mining, confirmed that the explosion occurred at the “Skoufus” well pad. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has since launched an investigation into the incident. “After speaking with the operator, the cause of the explosion remains unclear,” said Brown, adding that the site is operated by Uinta Wax Operating.
Oil rig explosions pose significant dangers to workers, and when incidents like this occur, the injured parties and their families may be entitled to compensation.
Why is Working on or Near an Oil Rig Dangerous?
Working on or near oil rigs is inherently dangerous due to several factors that increase the risk of serious injuries or fatalities. Here are some of the primary dangers associated with oil rig work:
Explosions and Fires
Oil rigs deal with highly flammable substances such as crude oil and natural gas. The presence of volatile chemicals, combined with high-pressure drilling and machinery, can lead to catastrophic fires or explosions if a leak, spark, or equipment failure occurs. Even a small malfunction can trigger a large-scale explosion, endangering all workers on-site.
Heavy Machinery
Oil rigs require the use of heavy, complex machinery such as derricks, pumps, and drilling equipment. Operating and maintaining this equipment involves significant risk, particularly if the machinery is not properly maintained or if safety protocols are overlooked. Accidents such as equipment failure, crush injuries, and falls from heights are common in this line of work.
High-Pressure Systems
Oil extraction involves drilling into the earth’s surface under extreme pressure. If these pressure systems become unstable or poorly managed, they can result in blowouts or leaks, which can lead to explosions, toxic gas exposure, or fire. Managing these pressures safely requires highly skilled and experienced workers.
Toxic Chemicals and Gases
Oil rigs often release toxic chemicals and gases, such as hydrogen sulfide, which can be harmful or even fatal if inhaled. Prolonged exposure to such substances can lead to respiratory issues, chemical burns, and other long-term health complications. Workers who are not properly equipped with safety gear or who work in poorly ventilated areas face significant health risks.
Remote and Hazardous Locations
Oil rigs are often situated in remote locations, either onshore or offshore. Workers are frequently far from medical facilities, and it can be difficult for emergency services to respond quickly in the event of an accident. Offshore rigs, in particular, are vulnerable to extreme weather conditions, such as storms or rough seas, which add additional layers of danger.
Fatigue and Long Hours
Workers on oil rigs often work long hours, with 12-hour shifts being common, and many rigs operate 24/7. This can lead to fatigue, which increases the likelihood of human error and accidents. The physically demanding nature of the work, combined with limited breaks and the mental strain of isolation, creates a hazardous environment.
Falling Objects and Working at Heights
Many oil rig workers are required to operate at significant heights, such as when working on derricks or platform scaffolding. Falls from these heights are a leading cause of serious injuries and fatalities. Additionally, tools, equipment, or debris can fall from elevated areas, putting workers below at risk of being struck by falling objects.
Complex Team Coordination
Oil rig operations require close coordination among various teams, such as drilling crews, engineers, and maintenance workers. Any breakdown in communication can result in accidents or mistakes, particularly in a high-stakes, high-pressure environment.
OSHA Violations and Safety Lapses
Despite strict regulations set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), many oil companies and contractors fail to enforce safety protocols adequately. In some cases, equipment may be outdated, or safety gear may not be provided to workers, increasing the likelihood of accidents and injuries.
Emergency Evacuations
In case of emergencies like blowouts, explosions, or hurricanes (for offshore rigs), workers may have limited evacuation routes, which can delay rescue efforts. Offshore rigs, in particular, pose unique challenges for evacuation, as helicopters or boats may be needed to reach safety.
Legal Protection for Injured Workers
Given the dangers involved in working on or near oil rigs, it is essential that employers follow strict safety protocols and ensure that workers are trained and equipped to handle the risks. In the event of an injury, workers may be entitled to compensation through workers’ compensation claims, personal injury lawsuits, or claims under maritime law for offshore workers.
Workers injured in oil rig accidents should consult with an experienced attorney who can help them pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Burn injuries are common in oil rig explosions due to the presence of highly flammable materials like crude oil, natural gas, and chemicals. These accidents can cause severe harm to workers and often result in life-altering injuries. Below are the different types of burns and the long-term risks they may cause.
Types of Burn Injuries in Oil Rig Explosions
Thermal Burns
Thermal burns occur when skin comes into direct contact with intense heat sources such as fire, hot surfaces, or steam, all of which are common in oil rig explosions. Symptoms include redness, swelling, blistering, and peeling skin. In severe cases, the skin may turn blackened or charred.
There are three degrees of severity of thermal burns:
- First-degree burns: Affect only the outer layer of skin, causing redness and mild pain.
- Second-degree burns: Penetrate deeper layers, causing blistering, pain, and swelling.
- Third-degree burns: Destroy both the outer and deeper layers of skin, often leading to numbness due to nerve damage.
Chemical Burns
Oil rigs use and store various industrial chemicals. If an explosion ruptures storage tanks or pipes, workers can be exposed to chemicals that cause burns on skin contact or inhalation. Skin irritation, blistering, discoloration, and severe pain are common symptoms of chemical burns. Inhalation of toxic chemicals can also damage respiratory tissues.
Chemical burns can damage not only the skin but also deeper tissues like muscles, bones, and internal organs, depending on the chemical involved.
Electrical Burns
Oil rigs have heavy electrical systems powering drills and other equipment. In an explosion, electrical systems can malfunction, causing electric shocks or arcs that burn workers. Symptoms of electrical burns include severe pain, visible burns at entry and exit points, muscle spasms, and potential cardiac arrest.
Electrical burns can cause internal injuries that may not be immediately visible, including damage to organs and nerves.
Inhalation Burns
During an oil rig explosion, intense heat and flames can cause workers to inhale superheated air, smoke, and toxic chemicals. This can severely burn the airway and lungs. Coughing, shortness of breath, hoarseness, and facial burns are the more common symptoms of inhalation burns. Symptoms may worsen after exposure as swelling occurs in the airway. Inhalation burns can lead to respiratory failure, lung scarring, and long-term breathing problems.
Long-Term Risks and Complications of Burn Injuries
Infection
Burn injuries damage the skin, which acts as the body’s primary barrier against infection. Once the skin is compromised, bacteria can easily enter the body and cause infections like sepsis, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention.
Scarring and Disfigurement
Burns, particularly second- and third-degree burns, can cause severe scarring and disfigurement. This can include keloid or hypertrophic scars, which are raised and can restrict movement, especially around joints. Facial burns may cause significant changes to appearance, requiring reconstructive surgery.
Chronic Pain
Nerve damage from severe burns can lead to long-term or chronic pain. Nerve injuries can cause conditions like neuropathy, where the individual experiences sharp, burning, or tingling pain long after the wound has healed.
Loss of Mobility
Scar tissue from severe burns can tighten over time, limiting movement, particularly if the burns are located near joints. This can lead to long-term disabilities, making it difficult for individuals to return to work or perform daily tasks.
Respiratory Issues
For workers who suffer inhalation burns, long-term lung damage is a serious concern. Scar tissue may form in the lungs, leading to conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, or restrictive lung disease. These conditions can significantly impair breathing and require ongoing treatment.
Psychological Trauma
Burn injuries can cause severe psychological trauma, especially if disfigurement occurs. Many victims experience depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is due to the pain, disfigurement, and traumatic nature of oil rig explosions. Long-term therapy may be required to address these mental health challenges.
Amputations
In some cases, severe burns can lead to the need for amputations. When tissues are so damaged that they cannot heal or become infected, doctors may need to amputate limbs to prevent further complications.
Compromised Immune System
Severe burns can affect the immune system, making it difficult for the body to fend off infections. Long-term damage to the immune response can leave burn survivors vulnerable to illnesses and other health complications.
Legal Considerations for Burn Victims
Oil rig workers who suffer burn injuries in an explosion may be entitled to compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care needs. Given the complexity of burn injuries and the risks involved in oil rig work, it is crucial for victims to seek legal representation.
At Kherkher Garcia, our experienced oil and gas injury lawyers can help burn victims hold responsible parties accountable. Whether through workers’ compensation claims, personal injury lawsuits, or claims under maritime law – we help victims obtain justice and compensation.
To find out how the team at Kherkher Garcia can help you after an oil rig explosion, contact us for a free burn injury consultation. Call us at 713-333-1030, or complete our online contact form. Don’t wait to get the help you need after an oil and gas related injury.
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