Accidents Common in Fracking Industry

December 18, 2012

West Virginia's economy depends upon the coal mines located throughout the state. Every day on the job brings the risk of serious injury or death. However, these jobs provide for many families, and workers accept the risks as they perform their daily tasks.

There have been several new sources of oil or natural gas that have been discovered across the country. In the past, it was thought that these deposits were not accessible, as they were buried under tough layers of rock. Traditional drilling methods were not able to reach these minerals. Many companies have started using the "fracking" process to retrieve these valuable resources.

What is fracking?

In fracking, materials are injected into the ground to help break up the potential obstructions that may be present. These materials are pressurized and injected at a high rate of speed in an effort to open paths to the reservoirs. Some of the materials used will then remain in the ground to ensure that the paths remain open and the minerals can be extracted.

Dangers to workers

This is an extremely dangerous occupation, as these wells have a lot of activity going on at any one time. Any wrong move can have very serious consequences for those working in the area. Several different types of workers will be present, and everyone will need to perform their activities safely.

The fracking industry places a high demand on truck drivers, because the use of large trucks is essential to a successful operation. Workers will use the trucks to transport fracking materials, and also haul any oil or gas to processing facilities.

Because of all of the trucks present in these operations, being involved in a motor vehicle accident is the most common way that someone who works in fracking can be injured on the job. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, truck drivers in the fracking industry are killed in accidents at a rate eight times higher than the general population.

Workers in the fracking industry face a host of other risks as well. The equipment that workers use to inject the materials into the ground is heavy, so these workers face the same risk of injury as factory workers or construction workers, such as amputated limbs, broken bones and muscle strains or sprains.

Furthermore, the chemicals involved in fracking are extremely hazardous. Workers could be burned or injured in chemical fires if the chemicals spill. Workers also could develop cancer from exposure to the chemicals in large doses.

Seek legal help

The accident rates show no signs of slowing down. The use of fracking methods is becoming much more popular in many regions across the country, meaning that many more people are working in the fracking industry. More people on more jobsites mean that the risk of these motor vehicle accidents will also increase.

If you have been injured in an on-the-job accident, it is important to speak to an experienced attorney about your case. Certain accidents may permit recovery in personal injury lawsuits, but it will depend upon the facts present. Each case is different, and you need to understand what you should do to protect yourself while you recover.

Article provided by Bordas & Bordas Attorneys, PLLC
Visit us at www.bordaslaw.com