Many San Antonio residents wait a long time to find employment as a roustabout or roughneck in the oil industry. Excellent pay combined with opportunities for industry advancement attracts these workers. Unfortunately, finding work in this industry can expose you to many occupational injuries and illness risks.
We understand the lure of a lucrative income. However, it is wise to make sure you know the risks of working as a roughneck. Understanding these risks can help you avoid many of the injuries that plague roughnecks.
What role do oilfield roughnecks fill?
Hired as manual laborers, roughnecks work long hours performing many different job duties in oilfields and oil rigs. In many ways, they provide a sturdy support system for the process of oil extraction. Typically, this involves performing tasks (operating vehicles, moving equipment, etc.) that facilitate the extraction process.
Some of the ways roughnecks suffer on-the-job injuries or illnesses include:
- Explosions and fires
- Exposure to toxic chemicals and substances
- Falls from heights
- Caught-in and caught-between items or equipment
- Work-related vehicle accidents
- Struck-by accidents (items, machines, equipment, etc.)
Jobs in the Texas oil extraction industry are considered among the nation’s most dangerous occupations. We urge you to always keep your safety and that of your co-workers in focus while on duty. When you pay attention to worksite safety, you can remain in the ideal physical condition and on the job for years to come.
If you have suffered a severe injury or illness in an oilfield accident, we urge you to learn more about maximizing your compensation. For example, if a manufacturer or other third party contributed to your harm, you may qualify for a third-party injury claim on top of your workers’ compensation benefits.