Why have so many oil workers been involved in truck accidents? Part of the reason stems from the fact that the oil industry has been given exemptions from many of the highway safety regulations other truckers are required to follow. In the 1960s the exemptions were granted when the industry argued it needed more flexibility for its drivers.
]]> For instance, commercial drivers must rest after 14 hours of work. Oil and gas industry truckers often aren't required to count the time they wait at well sites, which may be as long as 10 hours. They also are required to rest only 24 hours after working 60 hours, compared to the requirement that most commercial truckers rest 34 hours. This allows truckers working for oil companies to work longer hours, resulting in an increased likelihood of fatigued drivers and truck accidents.There have been multiple efforts to remove the exemptions by safety advocates. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) "strongly opposed" the exemptions because of the increased risk of accidents. One oil service driver summed up how many feel about the exemptions in a letter he wrote to federal regulators, "Just because you are on an oil field site does not make you any less vulnerable to the effects of fatigue!"
Almost one third of oil field worker fatalities between 2003 and 2008 were highway crashes, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Across other industries, highway crashes are responsible for only about a fifth of worker deaths. As the oil and gas industries continue to expand, with over 200,000 new wells being drilled in the U.S. in the next ten years, it seems likely more workers will die unless some action is taken.
Source: The New York Times, Deadliest Danger Isn't at the Rig but on the Road, Ian Urbina, 14 May 2012
]]>"He was one of the derrick service hands who went up about 50 feet where they were moving some pipe," explained the Gonzales County Sheriff, "He suddenly slipped and fell and hit the steel floor." The accident is still under investigation by the Sheriff's Office.
In another Texas oil rig accident this month, a worker was believed to have sustained injuries after falling off a derrick located near U.S. Highway 183 South, off of County Road 289. Emergency crews responded to a 911 call from the scene of the accident, and climbed 25 feet up the rig to provide medical attention. The man did regain consciousness, but his current condition is unknown.
]]> Accidents like these highlight the dangers oil field workers are exposed to every day. Although the cause of these two accidents is unknown, there are a variety factors that may contribute to accidents on oil rigs. These include: a lack of proper maintenance, defective equipment, not following proper safety procedures, and improperly trained or unqualified workers.Oil rig accidents often result in serious injury or death. An attorney can advise victims of these accidents if filing a personal injury claim or wrongful death suit is in their best interests.
Source: The Gonzales Inquirer, Worker falls to death in oilfield accident, 6 April 2012
]]>The study was conducted by the National Sleep Foundation, and surveyed over 1,000 workers including over 200 truck drivers. It found that sleepiness is a major issue among pilots, train operators and semi drivers in particular. The CEO of the National Sleep Foundation explained the concern, "The margin of error in these professions is extremely small. Transportation professionals need to manage sleep to perform at their best."
]]> Specifically, 14 percent of big-rig operators reported they had a "near miss" or made "a serious error" due to truck driver fatigue. Over 40 percent of truck drivers reported rarely or never getting an adequate amount of rest during a work night.Fatigue among semi drivers has gotten a significant amount of attention recently as federal regulators developed new rules about commercial driver work schedules. These "hours of service" rules now reduce the maximum work hours from 82 to 70 hours per week. A "restart period" of 34 hours per week was also instituted, helping to ensure drivers get a couple of days off after five days of driving.
Some members of the trucking industry feel the new rules go too far. The American Trucking Association filed suit last month to have the new regulations reviewed.
Regardless of the outcome of the suit, it is clear some steps need to be taken to reduce fatigue among truckers and others in the transportation industry.
Source: The Washington Times, Not getting enough rest a problem for operators of planes, trains, trucks, Ben Wolfgang, 6 March 2012
]]>According to the Department of Labor, in 2010 45 workers lost their lives as a result of oil and gas drilling accidents in Texas. This is up from 35 in 2003. Last year on the Eagle Ford shale there were seven deaths, up from three the previous year.
]]> Based on Department of Labor data, one of the more frequent causes of death is workers being "struck by" objects while working. Examples might include machinery coming loose and striking workers, or large pieces of metal flying at workers as a result of high pressure.Nationally, between 2003 and 2008, the fatality rate for workers involved in gas and oil extraction was eight times more than the average of other jobs, according to government records.
The National Occupation Research Agenda (NORA) studied the issue to determine the causes of the high death rate and prevention methods. The organization pointed to a number of issues including long shifts, working in extreme temperatures, older rigs without safety features, rigs in remote locations with dangerous unpaved roads, and inexperienced workers who had been hired to meet high demand.
Smaller well service and drilling companies were found to have increased rates of fatal injuries. This is perhaps due to smaller companies having fewer resources for health and safety programs.
A project called the STEPS Network (South Texas Exploration and Production Safety) has been developed in an attempt to change a culture which sometimes overlooks safety in the rush for oil and gas.
The program requires both large and small drilling companies to meet with OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration) monthly and work with the agency as a partner. There have been reports of the program's success. For instance, crews declining to take short cuts feeling assured that management will back them.
Source: StateImpact Texas, Drilling's Dangers: What Might Reduce Worker Deaths, Dave Fehling, 6 February 2012
]]>The single-vehicle rollover happened in Atascosa County late Monday evening. The 36 year-old pickup driver from Arkansas veered off Interstate 37. His truck collided into the median and overturned. The two passengers in the truck were oilfield workers, also from Arkansas. Both were pronounced dead at the scene of the accident. The driver was brought to South Texas Regional Medical Center, but details about his condition were not available.
No other vehicles were involved in the crash. Investigators have not determined the cause of the accident. Officials stated none of the men were wearing seat belts.
]]> Eagle Ford Shale Accidents on the RiseUnfortunately, this tragic accident is just one of many that has recently occurred around the Eagle Ford Shale. Five oilfield workers died in motor vehicle accidents in South Texas between September and December of 2011. A trooper from the Texas Department of Public Safety stated that the increase in collisions is most likely the result of the rise in traffic caused by the drilling boom surrounding the Eagle Ford Shale formation.
With the continued development of the Eagle Ford Shale region, traffic and motor vehicle accidents may only continue to increase. Hopefully increasing awareness among motorists will help make roadways safer.
Source: My San Antonio, Oilfield workers die in Atascosa County crash, Eva Ruth Moravec, 17 January 2012
]]>In an effort to prevent these types of accidents, the FMCSA has developed new hours of service (HOS) rules in an attempt to minimize truck driver fatigue. After much debate, the new HOS rules have finally been released.
The new rules maintain the current daily driving limit of 11 hours, but decrease the total number of hours a truck driver can work each week from 82 hours to 70 hours. Additionally, truckers are required to take at least a 30 minute break during an eight hour window of driving time.
]]> Companies and drivers that violate these provisions will face potentially steep penalties. If truckers violate the 11 hour limitation by working at least three extra hours, trucking companies may be fined up to $11,000 for each offense. The commercial truck drivers themselves could be fined $2,750 per offense."With robust input from all areas of the trucking community, coupled with the latest scientific research, we carefully crafted a rule acknowledging that when truckers are rested, alert and focused on safety, it makes our roadways safer," explained Anne S. Ferro, FMCSA Administrator.
Hopefully the new regulations will be as effective as the FMCSA expects, and the roads will be safer for both truckers and other motorists.
Source: Truckinginfo, Final HOS Rule Retains 11-Hour Driving Limit, 22 December 2011
]]>Texas motor vehicle accident attorneys see far too many accidents in which motorists are killed or suffer serious injury at the hands of a negligent commercial truck driver.
Fortunately, new data shows this trend is on the decline. According to the latest report from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), fatal crashes involving large trucks dropped by 31 percent between 2007 and 2009. During that same time period, the number of crashes resulting in injury fell by 30 percent.
The decrease means that the United States now sees one fatal truck crash for every 100 million miles driven.
]]> Over the last decade, the fatal truck accident rate has dropped by 54.5 percent. By comparison, the passenger vehicle fatal crash rate has fallen by about 25 percent since 2000.New Regulations Led to Increased Safety
The safety gains come after years of work by the FMCSA to increase truck safety. According to the administration, the safety gains are the result of a number of factors including improvements in technology and a new push toward slower, more fuel-efficient driving. They also credit increased regulation and new enforcement techniques.
Source: Truck News, "Fewer truck-related deaths on U.S. roads in 2009," 16 November 2011
]]>The truck driver then stopped on the interstate and attempted to back up. The 18-wheeler then caused a chain reaction of crashes among the vehicles behind it. This resulted in two people suffering injuries and being taken to an area hospital.
]]> The 18-wheeler should never have been on that part of the interstate. Instead, the driver should have been following a route around Loop 340. It is possible the wrong information was entered by the trucking company into TxDOT's automated routing system called TxPROS. The system calculates truck turn-by-turn truck routes based on load weight, size and height.Previously, TxDOT employees entered information on trucking companies' behalf, but within the past few months companies have begun entering the information themselves. Although designed to be more efficient, the system is not error-proof.
A TxDOT spokesperson explained the potential problem, "[E]ither that information goes in correctly and comes back and allows for a safe and efficient trip from point A to point B, or you have incorrect information and you have an operator error and the driver takes a wrong turn or something." Truck companies need to make sure those entering the information are properly trained, and drivers understand which routes to take.
The Texas Department of Public Safety is currently investigating the truck driver for multiple vehicle and traffic violations.
Source: ABC News Channel 25, 10-car pileup on I-35 could have been avoided, Brandon Hartman and Amanda Gomez, 25 October 2011
]]>Authorities explained that the explosion occurred when a truck driver was transferring hot oil into the well as part of a process to clean the pipeline. Backflow caused the truck, carrying two propane tanks used to provide the heat, to ignite and explode.
The explosion engulfed the trucks at the oil well and sent flames 50 feet into the air. The cloud of black smoke was visible from over 15 miles away. Law enforcement and firefighters from two jurisdictions responded to the explosion. All those within a mile radius were given mandatory orders to evacuate.
]]> The 60-year-old well had a safety valve that shut it off and prevented it from catching fire. Luckily the blaze was able to be contained and did not cause a fire throughout the dried vegetation surrounding the area. "Look around it's all brush. If it ever got out here, we would've had a pretty good fire on our hands," explained Karnes County Sheriff David Jalufka.Two workers were hospitalized with second and third degree burns. One has since been released, and the other man is still recovering.
OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) and TCEQ (Texas Commission on Environmental Quality) are currently investigating at the site and looking through all the burned equipment.
Source: KENS 5, Two hurt in oil rig explosion in Karnes County, Joe Conger, 22 September 2011
]]>Truck drivers who work too many daily or weekly hours become fatigued. When this occurs, the chance that they will become involved in a wreck that causes death or injury increases. In fact, the FMCSA blames "truck-driver fatigue" as the cause of more than 740 fatalities and 20,000 injuries annually.
]]> The rule proposed by the FMCSA is based on a 24-hour clock, and would reduce the number of hours that truck drivers are allowed to drive during those 24 hours; from the currently-allowed 11 hours down to 10 hours. The rule also would require drivers to take a 30-minute break after seven straight hours on the road.Their drive back to work didn't end at the well, however. Instead their journey ended at the bottom of an unmarked drop-off. The accident resulted in all three men suffering serious injuries.
The three injured workers filed a personal injury lawsuit in the Eastern District of Texas, Marshall Division, against the owners of the oil well for maintaining premises that presented an unreasonable risk of harm to workers. They claim that the owners' property was improperly maintained, inadequately lit and unmarked.
]]> The workers are seeking compensation for mental anguish, physical and emotional pain, physical and mental impairment, disfigurement, torment and suffering, loss of earning capacity, lost wages, medical expenses, interest, attorney's fees and court costs.Speak with an experienced personal injury attorney if you suffer a workplace injury or are injured on property that is unreasonably dangerous or improperly maintained. An attorney can advise you of your options, advocate on your behalf, and assist you in seeking compensation for your injuries.
Source: Oil field workers file suit against well owners after car crash at site
]]>The year's the NTSB's list includes the following issues:
The list serves to both draw attention to safety issues and push for important improvements to the nation's transportation system. By addressing safety issues on the list hopefully car, bus, truck and airplane accidents will be prevented.
]]> "The NTSB's ability to influence transportation safety depends on our ability to communicate and advocate for changes," explained Deborah A.P. Hersman, NTSB Chairperson. "The Most Wanted List is the most powerful tool we have to highlight our priorities."Bill Graves, President and CEO of the American Trucking Associations (ATA), commended the NTSB's efforts and echoed some of the same safety concerns. He explained that the ATA has called for new tools and technologies to eliminate alcohol-impaired driving as well as more effective steps to address driver fatigue.
By working to improve safety in these key areas, many lives will likely be saved.
]]>In March, 15 bus passengers were killed in New York on their return trip from a casino in Connecticut. The bus driver allegedly fell asleep while driving, resulting in the bus flipping over and crashing into a signpost that cut off a majority of the roof.
Earlier this month the Transportation Department announced several measures to increase the training required of commercial vehicle drivers and improve overall bus safety.
Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood explained, "These new requirements we are announcing today will help ensure passengers are safe and that carriers and drivers are in full compliance with federal safety regulations."
]]> The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will also be increasing the amount of unannounced inspections of buses nationwide. The campaign will focus on frequent destinations like sports venues, parks and casinos.Texas Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison and Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-Ohio) are also reintroducing federal legislation. The Motorcoach Enhanced Safety Act of 2011 seeks to improve bus safety by improving driver training, requiring seat belts and improved seating systems, and mandating anti-ejection windows and crush-resistant roofs.
The two senators previously introduced the bill after serious bus crashes took place in both of their states. A 2007 bus accident in Ohio killed five Bluffton University baseball players; and a 2005 bus explosion in Dallas took the lives of 24 nursing home residents that were being transported out of the path of Hurricane Rita.
Sen. Hutchinson is optimistic the legislation will pass this session. The bill is making progress, and was recently passed by the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation.
Sources: Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchinson's bus safety bill wins Senate committee approval; Transportation Department to introduce tougher bus safety measures
]]>The March incident is the second major accident at the plant in less than a year. A fire in May of last year and the ensuing investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) ended in the company being issued 10 citations and a hefty fine.
]]> The investigation into the cause and aftereffects of this accident is ongoing, but the incident has thrust the oil refining industry into the public eye again. Workers at oil refineries around the country face myriad dangers on the job every day including:Luckily, the law and courts recognize the hazards of oil refining and allow for numerous legal remedies for workers seriously injured on the job. In addition to benefits offered by workers' compensation, it may be possible for lawsuits to be brought against refinery owners, manufacturers of faulty equipment and negligent on-site contractors.
]]>Vulnerable Road Users Legislation Vetoed
In 2009, cyclists and other "vulnerable road users" (including motorcyclists, stranded motorists, highway construction/maintenance workers and pedestrians) were thrilled that legislation requiring drivers to give them a three-foot cushion was passed.
These same vulnerable road users were unpleasantly surprised, however, when Texas Governor Rick Perry vetoed the legislation. This was particularly unexpected because Governor Perry is a cyclist.
Although metro areas across Texas have made their own rules concerning cyclist safety, advocates are still pushing for a uniform, statewide law.
]]> Cyclists Survey the Road AheadTexas' fatality rate for bicyclists and pedestrians ranks at number 10 among the states. This is despite the Texas' low rank in alternative commuter rates. Both cyclists and lawmakers recognize the need for laws that protect the safety of vulnerable road users.
Texas legislators have said they will fight for the bill again, and they also plan to meet with the governor to hear his concerns.
While the legislation is about creating a more welcoming environment for cyclists and other road users, its chief purpose is safety. Bicyclists, pedestrians and motorcyclists are an uneven match for the larger cars, SUVs and trucks that dominate the roads. A person on a bicycle can suffer broken bones, lacerations, a brain injury, a spinal injury or even death in a collision with a car.
Whether or not the proposed legislation passes, vulnerable road users need to travel defensively and take advantage of the laws that are already in place.
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