The Underlying Causes Of Major Injuries And Deaths:
The oil and gas industries have long pulled in hard-working Texans seeking a better life, better wages, and more opportunities for their children. Earnings can help pay for college, pay off debt, or buy a family home.
One issue that impacts the number of fatal cases is the remoteness of many of these fields. Workers can drive hours to the job site, and this distance means greater distance from hospitals and proper medical care. An injury that could have been survivable may prove fatal when the nearest hospital is over an hour away.
The pressure to pump and drill faster than ever can mean the fields are operating without sufficient staffing. When the emphasis is on profit instead of safety, corners are cut, and workers are rushed. Training may be inadequate, as new hires may be sped through orientation and safety procedures.
And while all of these large corporations give lip service to safety, workplace injuries and fatalities keep piling up for Texans. And workers and their families are left paying the price.