There was an oilfield accident in Finney County, Kansas on March 27, 2024. According to reports, two workers were burned in an explosion of an oil field tank battery. The workers were taken to a local hospital for medical care.
Oil field tank battery explosions pose significant risks in the petroleum industry, necessitating a keen understanding of their potential causes and the implementation of stringent safety measures. The accumulation of flammable gases within storage tanks is a primary risk factor. These gases, byproducts of oil production, can build up if not properly vented, creating an explosive atmosphere that can be ignited by something as minor as a spark from equipment or as unpredictable as lightning. This danger underscores the importance of maintaining effective gas venting systems and adhering to protocols that minimize ignition sources in and around tank battery sites.
Corrosion of the tanks themselves presents another critical hazard. The internal environment of an oil field tank, filled with crude oil, saltwater, and other corrosive substances, can deteriorate the tank’s structure over time. This corrosion can not only lead to leaks, potentially exposing flammable materials to ignition sources, but can also weaken the tank’s ability to withstand the pressure buildup of trapped gases. Ensuring the integrity of these storage containers through regular inspections and maintenance is essential to preventing explosions. Corrosion control measures, coupled with robust tank design and material selection, play pivotal roles in mitigating this risk.
Implementing comprehensive safety protocols is crucial in minimizing the risk of oil field tank battery explosions. This includes conducting routine checks for signs of wear and corrosion, ensuring that ventilation and gas detection systems are operational, and training personnel in emergency response procedures. Highlighting the importance of these practices helps foster a safety-conscious culture within the oil and gas industry, aiming to protect workers and the environment from the devastating impacts of tank battery explosions.
Unfortunately, incidents like this one are becoming regular occurrences for workers. A worker died from inhalation of fumes in a tank at a site near Wayne, Oklahoma on September 20, 2023. A worker was impaled by pipe in Wichita County, Texas on November 16, 2023. There was an explosion at an oil pumping station in Cass County, Michigan on February 4, 2024. An oil derrick collapsed in Long Beach, California on February 26, 2024.
Oil and gas extraction is dangerous work. Oil rigs can pose significant dangers both to workers and to the general public. When dangerous work is involved, extra precautions must be taken, or workers can suffer the consequence. According to the Center for Public Integrity, 1,566 oilfield workers were killed from 2008 through 2017. Centers for Disease Control statistics indicate that the fatality rate for oil and gas workers is seven times higher than for workers in general in the United States. The CDC indicates that transportation related incidents remain the highest cause of oilfield worker death.
Those touched by an accident in the oil field should know their legal rights and remedies, and act quickly to preserve them. Our attorneys have extensive experience in cases involving oilfield personal injury and wrongful death, including accidents in the oilfield. The firm has experience in courts across the country and the skills needed to represent the families of loved ones who have lost their lives or as a result of an oilfield accident, or been seriously injured.
The experienced attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was a victim of an oilfield accident. Please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or to learn more about your legal rights.