Calcasieu Parish Oilfield Fatality Caused by Falling Machinery

A young oilfield worker recently suffered fatal injuries when he was struck by a falling piece of equipment weighing 9,000 pounds. The 21-year-old from Sulphur was working at Brine Field in Starks, owned by Westlake Cooperation. He was working as a subcontractor for Tiger Well Service at the time.

Contact with equipment or machinery is one of the most dangerous and frequent hazards faced by workers in the oilfields. Louisiana oilfield accidents sometimes feature falling objects; due to the weight of the equipment and material used in well servicing, these accidents are often fatal.

There are a number of possible factors at play in accidents like these, but virtually all of those factors are preventable with vigilant worksite safety policies. Given the seriousness of the hazards and forces employed by the oil and gas industry, it’s critical that all workers on the jobsite—subcontractors included—receive every protection to prevent serious or fatal harm.

OSHA is currently investigating this young man’s tragic death. Our hearts go out to his family—we hope they get answers soon.