New Mexico Oil Field Fall Accident Lawyers

Helping Injured Oil Field Workers Across New Mexico

Oil field workers are often required to work at heights, which puts them at risk of falling or being struck by falling objects, which can lead to severe and even fatal injuries. Falls from heights are some of the most common accidents for oil field workers – and, in many cases, they are also preventable.

At Simon Perdue Law, we are committed to helping injured workers and their families throughout New Mexico. Our firm also represents the families of workers who are killed in on-the-job accidents. We can help you explore your legal options after a fall, and we will fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve.

Simon Perdue Law is here to help you understand your rights if you suffered injuries from a fall or were struck by a falling object while on the job. Call (505) 588-5962 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Fall Hazards for Oil Field Workers

Oil field workers face various fall hazards due to the nature of their work environment, which often involves working at elevated heights, on uneven terrain, and around heavy machinery.

Common types of fall hazards for oil field workers include:

• Falls from heights: Working on drilling rigs, platforms, derricks, scaffolding, ladders, and other elevated structures poses a significant risk of falls from heights. Workers may lose their balance, slip, trip, or be struck by objects, leading to falls that can result in serious injuries or fatalities.
• Slip and trip hazards: Slippery surfaces, such as those covered in oil, mud, or water, are common in oil fields and can lead to slip and trip accidents. Uneven terrain, debris, equipment, and cables may also create trip hazards that increase the risk of falls.
• Ladder accidents: Oil field workers frequently use ladders to access elevated work areas, equipment, and machinery. Falls from ladders can occur due to instability, improper use, defects, or failure to secure the ladder properly.
• Falls into excavations or trenches: Working near excavations, trenches, pits, or open holes presents a fall hazard for oil field workers. If proper safeguards, such as guardrails or barricades, are not in place, workers may inadvertently fall into these hazards.
• Falls during rigging operations: Rigging operations involve handling heavy loads and equipment, which can lead to falls if rigging components fail, workers lose their grip, or loads become unbalanced. Falls may occur while rigging up or down, moving equipment, or securing loads.
• Fall protection equipment failures: Improper use or failure of fall protection equipment, such as harnesses, lanyards, lifelines, and anchorage points, can result in falls from heights. Equipment defects, improper fitting, or lack of training on how to use fall protection gear can contribute to accidents.
• Falls from elevated vehicles: Oil field workers may operate or work on elevated vehicles, such as drilling rigs, cranes, or aerial lifts, where falls from heights can occur if proper precautions are not taken or if workers are not properly trained in safe work practices.
• Falling objects: Falling objects, such as tools, equipment, or materials, are another common hazard for oil field workers. This risk often occurs when items are not properly secured, stored, or hoisted, or when workers are working below elevated work areas without adequate protection.

Preventing fall accidents in oil fields requires implementing comprehensive safety measures, providing adequate training, conducting regular inspections of equipment and work areas, and enforcing strict adherence to safety protocols.