North Dakota oil fields are distinctly dangerous, according to various reports of injuries and deaths that occur across the state within the oil and gas extraction industries.
Statistics on North Dakota Oil Field Dangers
In 2015, North Dakota had the highest workplace fatality rate with 12.5 deaths per 100,000 workers. By contrast, the national average fatality rate is only 3.4.
This means that North Dakota workplace deaths are nearly four times that of the national average. Additionally, from 2014 to 2015, there was an increase of about 28% in the number of workplace fatalities in North Dakota.
However, not all of these deaths were related to oil fields. When looking at the mining sector as a whole, there are about 11.4 deaths per 100,000 workers. This is over three times the national average for workplace fatalities. Of those deaths, 74% of fatal work injuries occur in the oil and gas extraction industries.
Aside from oil field deaths, many workers become injured while on the job. Some injuries may have permanent effects, like spinal and traumatic brain injuries.
Why are Oil Fields so Dangerous?
Some common causes of on-the-job deaths among oil field workers in North Dakota include:
- Accidents caused by machinery
- Explosions in oil fields
- Transportation injuries
A recent investigation by PBS News Hour describes how an oil field worker dies nearly every six weeks. Part of this has to do with the quick pace of the industry. From 2009 to 2015, oil production in North Dakota oil fields has increased by over 600%. Williston and Watford City have been especially feeling the oil boom as these cities sit atop some of the largest oil reserves in the country.
With the increased production in North Dakota oil fields, some injuries may be caused due to ineffective training, poorly maintained machinery, or negligence by oil companies. A company may be held liable for an oil field injury or death if they are negligent and breach their duty standard.
Contact a North Dakota Oil Field Injuries Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in an oil field, call Sand Law for a free, no obligation consultation with the North Dakota Oil Field Injury Law Firm. We can discuss the types of compensation you may be entitled to due to third-party liability and negligence. If there is no recovery, there is no fee.
Contact us today online or by phone at 701-609-1510.