Top Causes of Workplace Injuries in the Oil & Gas Industry in Edinburg

PERSONAL INJURY CASE REVIEW

Edinburg sits at the heart of South Texas energy production in Hidalgo County. The city serves as a critical logistics and workforce hub for operations in the Eagle Ford Shale and the Permian Basin. U.S. Highway 281 and State Highway 107 carry thousands of workers, service trucks, and heavy equipment daily. Drilling rigs, pump jacks, flow stations, and storage tanks line the surrounding fields. The oil and gas industry employs over 10,000 people in the Rio Grande Valley. It generates billions in economic impact. It also creates one of the most dangerous work environments in America. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that oil and gas extraction has a fatality rate seven times the national average. Texas leads the country with over 500 workplace deaths annually. Hidalgo County sees dozens of severe injuries each year. 


Workplace injuries in Edinburg’s oil and gas sector are not random. They result from preventable hazards tied to equipment, environment, and human error. At A2X, we represent injured workers and families across the region. We fight to secure compensation and hold negligent parties accountable. Contact us today for a consultation at www.a2xlaw.com. We work on a contingency basis. No recovery means no fee. 


Struck-By and Caught-Between Incidents 

Struck-by and caught-between injuries top OSHA’s fatal four in oil and gas. They account for over 60 percent of deaths. 

  • Falling Objects: Pipes, tools, and rig components can fall from derricks, catwalks, or cranes. For example, a 200-pound joint has the potential to crush a worker below.
  • Swinging Loads: Loads can swing unpredictably, potentially pinning workers against equipment.
  • Vehicle Strikes: Forklifts, winch trucks, and pickups can run over ground crew members. Poor communication and blind spots significantly increase the risk.
  • Pinch Points: Hands, fingers, and limbs may become caught in chains, tongs, or rotating machinery, causing serious injury.


Edinburg’s fast-paced completions and workovers increase risk. Workers are rushed, spotters are often skipped, and safety lines are sometimes ignored.


Falls from Height 

Falls are the second-leading cause of oilfield fatalities. Workers operate 50 to 100 feet above ground. 

  • Derrick and Mast Work: Floorhands and derrickmen climb without proper fall arrest. Harness anchors fail. 
  • Tank and Platform Access: Stairs lack handrails. Ladders are unsecured. Workers slip on oily surfaces. 
  • Scaffold and Catwalk Collapses: Improper assembly or overloading causes structural failure. 
  • Fracturing and Wireline Operations: Crews work on elevated manifolds and wireline units. A misstep ends in free fall. 


Heat, fatigue, and PPE non-compliance worsen the danger. A fall from 60 feet is nearly always fatal. 


Explosions and Fires 

Hydrocarbon ignition causes catastrophic burns and blast injuries. 

  • Well Kicks and Blowouts: Pressure surges can overwhelm blowout preventers, allowing gas to ignite.
  • Static Sparks: Ungrounded equipment can discharge near flammable vapors, triggering fires.
  • Hot Work Without Permits: Welding or grinding near tanks can create sparks that ignite flames.
  • Frac Pump Failures: High-pressure lines may rupture, and diesel fuel can catch fire.


Edinburg’s extreme summer heat and extensive chemical storage amplify fire spread. Workers can suffer third-degree burns over 80 percent of their bodies.


Vehicle and Transportation Accidents 

Oilfield traffic is relentless. Workers drive long distances on rural roads. 

  • Rollover Crashes: Overloaded hotshot trailers can overturn on FM roads. Excessive speed and soft shoulders significantly increase the risk.
  • Head-On Collisions: Fatigued drivers cross centerlines on two-lane highways. 
  • Rear-End Impacts: Service trucks tailgate and sudden stops crush cabs. 
  • Tire Blowouts: Worn tires on heavy rigs shred at highway speeds. 


Hidalgo County sees over 1,000 commercial vehicle crashes yearly. Many involve oilfield transport. 


Toxic Exposure and Chemical Hazards 

Silent killers lurk in everyday operations. 

  • Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S): Sour gas pockets release deadly concentrations. A single breath causes collapse. 
  • Benzene and VOCs: Tank gauging exposes workers to carcinogens, increasing the long-term risk of leukemia.
  • Silica Dust: Handling frac sand can cause silicosis, leaving permanent lung damage.
  • Chemical Splashes: Acidizing and cementing fluids can burn skin and eyes.


Poor ventilation, skipped respirators, and inadequate monitoring turn routine tasks into deadly ones. 


Machinery and Equipment Failures 

Heavy equipment operates under extreme stress. 

  • Crane and Winch Malfunctions: Cables can snap, booms may collapse, and loads can fall, putting workers at risk of severe injury.
  • Pump and Compressor Explosions: Overpressure can rupture casings, and shrapnel can injure crew members.
  • Power Tool Kickbacks: Grinders and saws may bind, causing blades to shatter and injure operators. 
  • Hydraulic Injection Injuries: High-pressure fluid can pierce the skin, often resulting in amputation.


Skipped maintenance and counterfeit parts are common culprits. 


Overexertion and Ergonomic Injuries 

Repetitive strain builds over time. 

  • Manual Pipe Handling: Workers lift 50-pound joints hundreds of times per shift as a result workers get back and shoulder tears.
  • Slips on Muddy Pads: Rain makes surfaces slick, resulting in an increase in knee and ankle injuries.
  • Vibration Exposure: Jackhammer and drill use cause hand-arm vibration syndrome. 
  • Confined Space Entry: Awkward positions in tanks lead to muscle strains. 


These “soft tissue” injuries disable workers for months. 


Steps to Take After an Oilfield Workplace Injury in Edinburg 

Protect your health and claim: 

  1. Report Immediately: Alert your supervisor. Request an incident report. 
  2. Seek Medical Care: Go to DHR Health or a specialist. Do not refuse treatment. 
  3. Document the Scene: Photograph equipment, injuries, and hazards. Note witnesses. 
  4. Avoid Company Pressure: Do not sign documents or agree to money on the spot. 
  5. Contact A2X: We investigate and guide workers’ comp and third-party claims. 
  6. File Within Deadlines: Two-year statute for third-party suits. Act fast. 


Compensation Available for Injured Edinburg Oilfield Workers 

Recover: 

  • Medical bills (past and future) 
  • Lost wages and earning capacity 
  • Pain and suffering 
  • Disability and disfigurement 
  • Rehabilitation and home care 
  • Third-party liability damages 
  • Punitive awards for gross negligence 


Why A2X Fights for Edinburg Oilfield Workers 

We know the rigs and the risks. Our nationwide trial team offers: 

  • Case reviews 
  • No upfront costs 
  • Spanish-language support 
  • Deep oil and gas expertise 
  • Proven multimillion-dollar results 


We treat you like family. 


Contact A2X Today 

Oilfield work powers Edinburg. It should not destroy its people. When hazards turn into injuries, you deserve full support and justice. At A2X, we investigate every cause, preserve critical evidence, and demand accountability from those who failed you. Our attorneys fight for the compensation that covers your medical care, lost income, and future security. Schedule your  consultation today at www.a2xlaw.com. Let us carry the legal weight so you can focus on healing and family. With A2X, your voice will be heard and your rights protected. A2X: Anyone. Anytime. Anywhere.