Who Is Legally Responsible for Safety on Oil and Gas Industrial Sites?
Working on an oil and gas site is one of the most dangerous jobs in America. Every day, workers face serious hazards like heavy machinery, flammable chemicals, extreme weather, and unsafe site conditions. When accidents happen, one of the first legal questions that arises is: Who is responsible for ensuring safety on the site?
The answer is complex, but understanding it is critical if you or a loved one has been injured on an oilfield or industrial site.
The Legal Duty of Care in Oil and Gas Worksites
Under Texas law, multiple parties may owe a “duty of care” to protect workers from unreasonable dangers. This legal obligation requires companies and supervisors to take all reasonable steps to maintain a safe work environment. Failing to uphold this duty can lead to legal liability if a worker gets hurt.
Key parties who may hold this duty include:
- Primary employers (such as the drilling company or oil producer)
- Site owners
- General contractors
- Subcontractors
- Equipment manufacturers
Each of these entities may have different levels of responsibility depending on their role on the jobsite.
Employer Responsibilities for Worker Safety
Employers have a primary duty to provide:
- Proper training for all workers
- Safe tools and equipment
- Regular safety inspections
- Clear communication about hazards
- Enforcement of safety protocols
If an employer fails in any of these areas, and a worker is injured as a result, the employer may be held legally responsible through a workers’ compensation claim or a third-party personal injury lawsuit if workers’ compensation doesn’t apply.
In Texas, many oil and gas employers are “nonsubscribers” to workers’ compensation insurance. This means injured employees may sue directly for negligence, often recovering greater compensation than through workers’ comp alone.
Third-Party Contractors and Shared Liability
Oil and gas sites are busy places, often involving multiple subcontractors, vendors, and service providers working alongside each other. When third-party contractors cause or contribute to unsafe conditions, they too can be held liable.
Examples of third-party responsibility include:
- Equipment maintenance companies that fail to service critical machinery
- Trucking companies whose drivers cause accidents on site
- Subcontractors who violate safety rules, putting others at risk
If a third party’s negligence contributed to your injury, you may have a claim against them in addition to your employer.
Equipment Manufacturers’ Role in Site Safety
Defective equipment is another major source of oilfield injuries. In these cases, responsibility may lie with the company that designed, manufactured, or sold the faulty equipment.
In a product liability claim, you don’t have to prove that the manufacturer was “negligent” — only that the product was unreasonably dangerous when it left their control.
Why Proving Responsibility Matters
Establishing who is legally responsible for your injury is essential to getting full compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term disability
- Loss of future earnings
Without an experienced oilfield injury lawyer investigating the site, gathering evidence, and identifying all responsible parties, you risk missing out on the financial recovery you deserve.
Speak with an Oil and Gas Injury Attorney Today
At the Law Offices of Hilda Sibrian, we understand the dangers you face in the oil and gas industry. Our team has deep experience helping injured workers hold employers, contractors, and manufacturers accountable. If you or a loved one has been hurt on a jobsite, don’t wait. Call us today for a free consultation and get the help you need to protect your future.
FAQs
Who can I sue if I was injured on an oilfield site?
Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to sue your employer (if they are a nonsubscriber), third-party contractors, equipment manufacturers, or site owners.
What if my employer says I can’t file a claim because I accepted workers’ comp?
In Texas, not all employers carry workers’ compensation insurance. If your employer is a nonsubscriber, you may have the right to sue directly for negligence.
How do I prove someone was responsible for my injury?
Evidence like maintenance records, safety inspections, eyewitness testimony, and expert analysis can all help prove fault.
Can third-party contractors be sued even if I didn’t work for them?
Yes. If a third party’s negligence caused your injury, you have the right to pursue a claim against them.
How long do I have to file an oilfield injury lawsuit in Texas?
In most cases, you have two years from the date of the injury. However, legal deadlines can vary, so it’s important to speak with an attorney right away.
