Hazards Faced By Workers In The Fracking Industry

In 2013, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) released a hazard alert that was based on data collected by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), that workers may be exposed to high levels of silicon dioxide during hydraulic fracturing or fracking.

Health Hazards In Fracking

One of the primary dangers of working in the fracking industry is the intake of silica that may cause cancer.  This has been linked to autoimmune and kidney disease, tuberculosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Secondly, the exposure to exhaust gases and diesel particulate matter proves to be a health hazard.
Thirdly, overexertion in the amount of hours worked lead to strains and sprains and fatigue, which impairs the concentration levels of the fracking worker.

Safety Hazards In The Fracking Industry  

 

There are various safety hazards that fracking industry workers face on hydraulic fracturing sites, such as:

• Getting struck by moving equipment, which would include car accidents (when traveling between sites), falling objects, and tools.
• Being pinched by hammer union wings, racks, and pump iron when on site.
• Falling accidents from dizzying heights.
• Poor lighting that results in stumbling over unseen objects resulting in injuries.
• Getting struck by high-pressure lines or due to an unexpected pressure release such as worn hammer unions or line failure.
• Explosions or fires that stem from flow-back fluid containing all sorts of flammable materials that are either stored or used at the well site.
• Working in constricted spaces, such as frac tanks, sand storage trailers, and sand movers.

Worker Rights In The Fracking Industry

Workers who carry out various tasks for fracking purposes have rights too, such as the right:

• To not be exposed to working conditions that pose the risk of being harmed.
• Receive information and get trained in a language they understand about various workplace hazards, ways to prevent getting injured, and knowing about the OSHA standards that apply to them.
• Check over records of work-related illnesses and injuries.

 

If you need help with your workers compensation claim in the Reading, PA / Berks County area, you can contact our local workers compensation lawyers at our Reading, PA office:

 

The Bulldog Lawyers

213 N 5th St #1040a

Reading, PA 19601

610-595-4658

 

If you were injured on the job and are seeking workers comp benefits in the Philadelphia area, you can contact a workers compensation attorney at one of our local Philadelphia offices below:

 

The Bulldog Lawyers

2981 Grant Ave #1a

Philadelphia, PA 19114

215-515-0895

 

The Bulldog Lawyers

100 S Broad St #1800b

Philadelphia, PA 19110

215-515-0650