Preventing Premises Liability Accidents: Safety Tips for Midland Properties

The city of Midland, Texas, is alive with the energy of the Permian Basin, which produces more than 14% of the oil in the United States, driving economic development with its 3.9 million barrels produced daily. This boom provides busy oil fields, business hubs, and construction sites. Nevertheless, this expansion has turned Midland into a dangerous environment where premises liability accidents are an ever-present likelihood. While this growth has positive implications for certain members of the Midland community, it has also exposed the Midland community to various risk factors. Given the diverse range of commercial and industrial enterprises in Midland, the risk of accident occurrence is always a possibility. In Midland in 2024, 874 accidents resulted in injuries, which, for defined purposes, produced a total of 1,280 injuries and 24 fatalities across various commercial and industrial enterprises. This could be attributed to accidents caused by slips, falls, equipment failure, and other factors. A total of 316 OSHA violations were issued to the operators, resulting in monetary safety citations for failure to comply with areas of construction safety, such as signage and maintenance of industry operations, in an amount totaling $1.4 million for the agents of those employers. 

One of those fatal accidents could easily involve an oil and gas worker who suffered a slip or fall accident while trying to perform his job duties. The Property owner and employee owed them a duty of care, and, as stated later, Texas premises liability law requires, in most situations, that property owners maintain safe conditions. Before the statutory one-year timeframe for any claims, it is at least 90 days or more, following 2025. At A2X Law, A Nationwide firm, we fight for all victims of premises accidents. We stand up for the injuries inflicted on you due to someone else's negligence.   

The Stakes: Premises Liability in Midland’s High-Risk Environment 

The oil boom has made Midland’s oil fields, retailers, and work zones especially hazardous. The risk of chemical spills, unsecured rigs, and slipping hazards contributed to accidents resulting in falls and toxic exposures (25% of oilfield fatalities and 15% of reported injuries, respectively). Additionally, Texas's "open and obvious" doctrine and modified comparative fault (which can deny recovery to a claimant who is more than 50% at fault) increase the responsibilities of owners and visitors to prevent injuries. By complying with OSHA standards for oil situations and taking preventive measures, both parties can lower risks and avoid an expensive claim.  

Safety Tips for Property Owners: Proactive Steps to Protect 

In Midland, property owners, including oilfield operators and store managers, have a legal duty under Texas Civil Practice §75.002 to ensure that their premises are safe for "invitees" (workers and customers). If the owner can be found negligent, such as in the case of a spill that was not removed or cleaned up, they may be liable for any resulting injuries. Here are some tips to help reduce your risk:  

• Conduct Regular Rig and Site Inspections: Check oil rigs, pipelines, and construction zones daily for hazards such as loose equipment or corroded pressure valves, which account for 20% of severe oilfield injuries. OSHA requires ongoing checks to avoid machinery malfunctions (25% of cases). 
• Post Clear Warning Signs: Use visible signs for spills, uneven surfaces, or H2S zones on rigs. In 2024, OSHA cited Permian operators for poor hazard communication, contributing to 15 chemical exposure cases in Midland-Odessa. 
• Maintain Clean and Dry Surfaces: Clean oil or chemical spills immediately in work zones and commercial spaces. Slips on wet floors or rig platforms are a leading cause of fractures and head injuries, with thousands of Texas claims annually. 
• Secure Equipment and Structures: Ensure all cranes, scaffolding, and rig platforms have guardrails and locks to prevent unauthorized access. Falls from heights account for 25% of fatalities in the oilfield sector, primarily due to missing barricades.  
• Implement Safety Training: Training workers and tenants on OSHA requirements, such as the proper use of PPE (i.e., H2S monitors, flame-resistant clothing), is required. Training deficits have resulted in 316 citations in the Permian Basin in 2024, per OSHA.

Both of these strategies reduce liability and are also consistent with OSHA's requirements for an oil and gas site, which focus on identifying hazards and mitigating them, thereby counteracting the Permian's 36% increase in injuries since 2022.  

Safety Tips for Visitors and Workers: Staying Vigilant 

Visitors, including oilfield workers, contractors, and customers, play a critical role in preventing accidents. Texas law expects reasonable care from invitees, and failure to report hazards can increase fault under the 51% rule. Here’s how to stay safe: 

• Report Hazards Immediately: Notify your supervisors or property managers of spills, loose equipment, or unsafe conditions, such as unlit parking lots. Prompt reporting can prevent incidents and strengthen claims if injuries occur. 
• Wear Appropriate Gear: Use slip-resistant boots in oilfields or stores, and ensure PPE, such as helmets or H2S monitors, are functional. Chemical burns (15% of injuries) often result from inadequate protection. 
• Watch Your Step: Avoid distracted walking in busy areas, such as rig sites or Midland’s retail strips. Uneven surfaces and debris lead to thousands of slip-and-fall injuries each year. 
• Stay Clear of Danger Zones: Avoid unmarked areas on rigs or construction sites where pressure ruptures or falling objects are risks. Struck-by incidents account for 60% of oilfield injuries. 
• Know Emergency Exits: Familiarize yourself with escape routes in commercial buildings or rig sites, especially where explosions (accounting for 15% of accidents) pose a threat.

These actions enable visitors to safeguard their well-being while also contributing to an owner's efforts to maintain safe premises, which in turn will reduce the likelihood of harmful and expensive lawsuits.  

The Consequences: Injuries and Legal Ramifications 

Premises liability accidents in Midland can lead to significant injuries such as broken bones, open wounds, head injuries, chemical burns, and costs that can surpass $500,000. In 2024, there were 15 severe damage cases in the Permian that put overwhelming pressure on hospitals in the area. Additionally, the partial loss of wages (for reference, oil jobs in Midland average about $80,000/year) created stress for families of those workers. Furthermore, Texas has a one-year statute of limitations on many claims related to premises liability, which was reduced from two years to one in 2025, so speed is of the essence. In theory, if anyone was a victim of an "open and obvious" hazard and did not report it, they may also be undermining their own recovery. Premises owners may be held liable for negligence, while workers can also share liability if they ignore clear warnings. This makes taking proper precautions essential.

A2X Law: Advocates for Premises Liability Victims 

At A2X Law, we represent residents and workers in the Midland area who were injured on premises that were not safe, such as oil rigs or places of business. Our firm will investigate property owners for negligence, whether it involves unmarked spills, defective equipment, or violations of OSHA standards, in order to recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We work within the complex premises laws and counter defenses, such as “open and obvious” hazards, to hold owners accountable for their negligence.