How New Technology Is Making Refineries & Oil Fields Safer for Workers

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Oil fields and refineries can be perilous places to work. Extracting crude oil and refining it into gasoline, diesel, and other products involves flammable chemicals, high pressures, and intense heat. This environment inevitably poses risks to workers' health and safety. Between August 2017 and March 2023, 153 refineries across the United States reported a total of 1,539 injuries and seven deaths. While 17 refineries & oil fields had no reported injuries or fatalities during that time frame, and 69 others had five or fewer injuries without any deaths, the industry still faces substantial workplace safety challenges.

New Safeguards to Prevent Accidents and Injuries

On May 15, 2023, a leak at a Marathon Petroleum refinery in Houston, Texas caused an explosion that tragically killed one worker and hospitalized two others . The refinery is now facing a lawsuit for negligence and wrongful death. In response to serious accidents like these, oil refineries have implemented various new safeguards and technologies. These innovations aim to prevent hazardous situations and accidents, with the goals of reducing injuries and saving lives. 

Some examples include:

Expanded Gas Detection Systems

Oil fields and refineries now have extensive networks of sensors that continuously monitor the air. These devices can detect leaks of flammable gases like propane and butane. When leaks occur, the monitoring systems can automatically shut down equipment and processes while alerting workers. This enables quick responses to contain leaks before they escalate into larger releases or explosions.

Remote Monitoring and Control Rooms

The control rooms where operators manage extracting and refinery processes have been upgraded with more sensors, high-definition cameras, and data analytics capabilities. This allows the facility to be monitored remotely in real time. Operators can spot irregularities in temperatures, pressures, and flows that could indicate emerging safety issues.

Improved Safety Gear and Wearables

"Smart" wearable devices and clothes help protect workers as well. GPS-enabled wearables can track a worker's location and vital signs, allowing rapid response should they become injured or incapacitated. Flame-resistant clothes help prevent severe burn injuries if workers are caught in a fire.

Immersive Virtual Reality Training

Workers are increasingly using virtual reality simulations to practice responding to oil fields and refinery emergencies like fires, spills, and equipment malfunctions. This hands-on training builds safety knowledge and preparedness.

The Impact on Workplace Safety after a Refinery or Oil Field Accident

These technologies, protocols, and training programs have made oil fields and refineries markedly safer workplaces in recent years. While even a single workplace injury or fatality remains unacceptable, improved safety practices substantially reduce risks.

The risk of explosions, equipment failures, and chemical leaks remains a serious concern. Automated detection and shutdown systems help contain leaks quickly, reducing the chances of uncontrolled hazardous releases. Remote monitoring can identify issues before they escalate into catastrophic incidents. However, even with these precautions, accidents occur due to equipment malfunctions, human error, or negligence . If you or a loved one has been injured in an oilfield or refinery accident, searching for an "oilfield accident lawyer near me " can help you find experienced legal representation to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Oil field and refinery workers now have more protection from occupational hazards than ever before. While the risks can never be eliminated in full, advanced safeguards help prevent accidents and save lives.