We have previously written about Wyoming having a high frequency of fatal work accidents, and recently another tragedy has occurred, leading to the death of an oilrig worker. According to witness reports, the worker died while servicing a rig in Johnson County.

The Wyoming Department of Workforce Services is saying that the fatal accident happened after an unexpected vertical movement from an oil derrick. Last year, three oil and gas workers died in Wyoming, and this accident marks the first of 2015.

Oil and gas can be a dangerous industry to work in, as the fumes and chemicals can be toxic and volatile. Equipment can become unstable without proper maintenance or dangerous to use if workers are not properly trained. According to the Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OSHA), statistics outlining the deaths of oil and gas extraction workers show a fatality rate seven times higher than other US industries.

How Are People Injured or Killed in the Oil and Gas Industry?

Vehicle accidents, being stuck between objects, explosions and fires, falls and chemical exposure have killed 823 oil and gas workers from 2003 to 2010. OSHA’s safety standards for the oil and gas industry include oil well derrick stability and anchoring guidelines.

When an employee is killed due to a work accident, OSHA may investigate the death and decide whether to levy fines. Workers who have been injured and survivors of loved ones killed on the job have the option of pursuing civil litigation to cover damages.

Metier Law Firm specializes in personal injury and work accident cases where individuals have been injured due to the negligent actions of another party. You can learn more about us and join our community by visiting our Facebook and Twitter pages.

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You can read more about the oil and gas industry and OSHA policies by visiting OSHA’s website.