Wyoming’s oil and gas industry has fueled the state’s economy for centuries, consistently ranking among the top producers in the nation, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. While this field offers stable, high-paying jobs, it also presents some of the most hazardous working conditions in the country. From operating heavy machinery to working in remote areas with unpredictable terrain, oilfield workers face risks that can lead to catastrophic injuries or even death.
When an oil field accident happens, injured workers and their families need guidance from experienced attorneys who understand the complexities of oilfield injury cases. Jim Fitzgerald has personal experience working in the oilfield. As a young man paying his way through college, he “roughnecked” on a drilling rig, as a laborer on pipeline construction, and as a welder’s assistant and truck driver. He has seen first-hand the dangers oilfield workers face. In this article, we’ll highlight the five most dangerous jobs in oil fields, explain why these roles carry such high risks, and discuss what injured workers can do to protect their rights.
What Are the Most Dangerous Oilfield Jobs?
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), certain oilfield positions are consistently ranked among the most dangerous in the United States. These roles involve high-pressure systems, heavy equipment, and demanding environments where one mistake can be life-threatening.
Below are the five oilfield jobs most vulnerable to severe injury or fatality:
1. Well Service Contract Workers
Responsible for maintaining and operating oil wells, these workers are exposed daily to heavy machinery, high-pressure systems, and hazardous chemicals. Limited site familiarity, inconsistent training, and lack of protective equipment often increase the likelihood of injury.
2. Oil and Gas Well Drillers
Drillers handle complex, high-risk operations involving powerful machinery and moving parts. The potential for crush injuries, machinery malfunctions, or high-pressure blowouts makes this one of the most perilous positions in the oil industry.
3. Wellhead Pumpers
Pumpers ensure oil wells remain operational and efficient. Their work is physically demanding and often involves repetitive motion, manual labor, and close interaction with high-pressure systems, all of which can lead to upper-body and extremity injuries.
4. Derrick Workers
Derrick workers operate at significant heights on drilling rigs to manage and guide drilling equipment. They face serious fall hazards, equipment malfunctions, and weather-related dangers that can lead to catastrophic or fatal accidents.
5. Heavy Equipment Operators
Operating massive machinery and vehicles, these workers face risks from equipment malfunctions, rollovers, and being struck by moving objects. A mechanical issue can result in severe injury or death.
Unique Risks for Wyoming Oilfield Workers
Wyoming’s oil and gas sites face added hazards due to their remote locations, harsh weather conditions, and rugged terrain, which can delay emergency response and medical care.
Common injuries include:
- Motor vehicle accidents and rollovers
- Burns and explosions
- Falls from rigs or elevated platforms
- Chemical exposure and toxic gas inhalation
- Head and brain injuries from falling tools or debris
Federal OSHA standards and Wyoming state regulations aim to keep oilfield worksites safe, but inconsistent enforcement leaves many workers vulnerable. When companies cut corners, workers pay the price.
Trusted Oil Field Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one have been injured on the job, The Fitzgerald Law Firm can help. At The Fitzgerald Law Firm, our catastrophic injury attorneys have decades of experience representing victims of workplace and oilfield accidents throughout Wyoming. Our firm also holds the record for the largest verdicts ever upheld on appeal by the Wyoming Supreme Court for injuries and wrongful death.
Oilfield work powers Wyoming’s economy, but no workers should have to risk their lives to earn a living. Understanding the dangers and your rights is the first step toward protection and recovery.
Contact The Fitzgerald Law Firm today for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney.