Common Workplace Injuries in Midland Oilfields: From Crushes to Chemical Burns 

At the center of the Permian Basin, Midland, Texas, produces more than 14% of the nation's oil and propels economic expansion with 3.9 million barrels a day. Oilfield employment is still one of the deadliest jobs in America, so this booming industry comes at a high cost. OSHA reported 67 severe instances statewide in 2024, with 56 hospitalizations and 20 amputations, and 15 serious injuries in Midland-Odessa, up 36% from 13 in 2023 and including two fatalities. Texas, primarily in the Permian, where the injury rate is seven times higher than the national norm, led the country with 41 out of 83 oil and gas fatalities. These injuries stem from preventable hazards tied to the relentless pace of fracking operations. At A2X Law, our nationwide team specializes in catastrophic injury and personal injury cases, advocating for Midland oilfield workers who have been harmed by negligence. 


The High-Risk Reality of Midland Oilfields 

Midland’s oilfields, which include wells located in Reeves County and rigs stationed on FM 1379, feel immense pressure to produce, prioritizing output over safety. The Permian Basin, which makes up only 2% of Texas’s population, yet accounts for 30% of all oil and gas fatalities in the U.S., reflects structural issues such as staffing shortages, 15–20 hour shifts, and less robust safety protocols. OSHA’s 2024 inspections resulted in 316 citations and $1.4 million in penalties for violations, including poor hazard communication and faulty equipment. Below, we detail the most common workplace injuries in Midland oilfields, grounded in OSHA and CDC data, to highlight risks and empower workers to seek justice. 


1. Crush Injuries: The Danger of Heavy Machinery 

In the Permian, 60% of oilfield injuries were caused by being hit or entangled by large equipment, such as cranes or drilling rigs. These events happen during fracking when workers are crushed by falling structures or pinned by moving equipment. The high-output rigs in the region operate at nearly constant speeds, which can increase wear on hydraulic systems, which then degrade and fail, resulting in fatalities or amputations (417 deaths nationwide from 2015 to 2022). In Midland, 25% of events are directly related to equipment problems, compounded by urgent repairs that coincide with workforce shortages brought on by the boom.  


2. Chemical Burns and Toxic Exposures: Silent Threats 

15% of oilfield injuries are caused by exposure to dangerous substances like hydrogen sulfide (H2S) or fracking fluids, which can result in severe burns and respiratory ailments. High amounts of the hazardous gas H2S, which is frequently found in Midland wells, can be lethal. Chronic diseases are also brought on by long-term exposure to toxins. Texas was responsible for 54% of the 2,101 cases of serious injuries, including respiratory failures, that the CDC reported nationally in 2024. Insufficient PPE and a lack of safety inspections, due to time constraints, only exacerbate the hazards, resulting in lasting medical issues for the worker. 


3. Falls from Heights: A Leading Cause of Fatalities 

Twenty-five percent of oilfield fatalities are caused by falls from derricks, platforms, or ladders. Hazards for workers on Midland's 100-foot rigs include loose harnesses, slick surfaces, and exhaustion from extended shifts. OSHA cited operators for not using guardrails, which contributes to the 36% increase in injuries since 2022 on the Permian. Especially on isolated locations far from emergency care, where delays increase the risk of complications, these incidents cause spine injuries, traumatic brain damage, or even death.  


4. Burns from Fires and Explosions: Catastrophic Risks 

Fires and explosions, most commonly caused by flammable vapors (e.g., methane), make up 15% of oilfield accidents. Midland presents the highest level of risk among all Texas locations for fires and explosions. High-pressure fracking uses chemicals that are highly flammable and can potentially explode due to a spark or static discharge. Fractures or burns resulting from the explosive ignition of these vapors pose a significant risk to workers. OSHA reported between 2015 and 2022 that 1,194 hospitalizations came from explosions, with Texas leading in hospitalizations. The oil being extracted from the Permian (3.9 million barrels per day) leads bosses to cut corners over preserving safety measures, which puts workers at further risk of fires and explosions, especially if rig staff come into contact with vapors.  


5. Vehicle-Related Injuries: Deadly Commutes to Rigs 

Motor vehicle accidents (MVAs), which often include equipment runs or the transport of workers on trucks, are the leading cause of death in oilfield deaths, accounting for more than 50% of these fatalities. Midland's U.S. 285, as well as its trunk and farm roads, sees more than 10,000 trucks on the road every day. Fatigued and inexperienced truck drivers create conditions that compound the likelihood of MVAs. In 2024, Midland-Odessa reported 897 commercial vehicle collisions (1 in 10 of which were oilfield trucks). MVAs led to crashes, and often also led to crush injuries, fractures, and death. Rural areas made these scenarios more complicated due to the strain on emergency services.   


The Lasting Impact: Economic and Personal Devastation 

Medical costs would easily exceed $500,000 for Midland's oilfield injuries, amputations, burns, and neurological injuries. Recovery and waiting for the needed specialized local care would also take months. Lost wages from the lengthy wait for near-zero work were personally crippling, as most oil jobs averaged $80,000 a year, and the opt-out state workers' comp system limited benefits. For Midland families, workers can become severely injured in the Permian's 15 cases of severe injuries in 2024, mainly as a result of work-related accidents, even with injuries down 24% statewide. The Permian presents very real and unique risks to injured workers who experience the pressures of oil production. 


Safety Tips for Midland Oilfield Workers 

  • Check Equipment: Inspect rigs and tools daily for defects to prevent crush injuries. 
  • Wear Proper PPE: Use calibrated H2S monitors and flame-resistant gear to avoid burns. 
  • Secure Heights: Ensure harnesses and guardrails are in place before working at elevated heights. 
  • Report Hazards: Notify OSHA and your supervisors of unsafe conditions, such as gas leaks. 
  • Drive Safely: Maintain distance from haulers on U.S. 285; rest to combat fatigue. 


A2X Law: Fighting for Injured Oilfield Workers 

At A2X Law, we stand with Midland workers who have been harmed by oilfield negligence, pursuing claims against operators, contractors, and manufacturers. With our extensive expertise in OSHA violations and Texas’s workers' comp system, we can help you secure the necessary maximum compensation available for medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. We examine all potential causes, including defective machinery and safety procedures that are ignored or not enforced, to ensure maximum compensation and hold those responsible accountable, thereby obtaining justice for Texas workers and their families.