West Virginia workers employed in the natural gas industry face substantial risks on the job every day, from fires and explosions to exposure to toxic chemicals and equipment accidents. To keep workers safe and follow the law, natural gas companies and the businesses they employ should provide safety equipment to mitigate dangers from known natural gas hazards.
Unfortunately, West Virginia companies may fail to follow safety regulations and provide workers with the protective gear they need to work with natural gas equipment safely. Contact the West Virginia work injury lawyers at Robinette Legal Group, PLLC, for a consultation to discuss your legal options for seeking fair compensation if you’ve suffered an injury while working in the West Virginia natural gas industry.
Natural Gas Hazards Unique to the Industry
Workers in the natural gas industry face severe dangers all the time, but some of the most common hazards include:
- Flammable Gas – Creates a risk of explosions if handled incorrectly
- Gas Leaks – Can lead to fires or harmful exposure
- High-Pressure Pipelines – Have the potential to burst and cause serious injuries
- Toxic Gases – The presence of hydrogen sulfide can pose health risks
- Confined Spaces – Can lead to suffocation or entrapment
- Heavy Equipment – Carries a risk of crushing injuries or falls
Personal Protective Equipment for Gas Pipeline Workers
Because of the inherent dangers of working in the natural gas industry, employers must provide safety gear to help keep employees safe. Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) for gas pipeline workers includes:
- Flame-resistant clothing to protect against fire hazards
- Hard hats to prevent head injuries from falls, collisions, and falling objects
- Safety glasses or goggles to shield eyes from debris and chemicals, per OSHA rules
- Respirators or gas masks to protect from inhaling toxic gases
- Work gloves to safeguard hands from cuts, burns, and chemical exposure
- Steel-toed boots to prevent foot injuries from heavy equipment
- Ear protection to reduce the risk of hearing damage from loud machinery
Warning Whips and Signals
Warning whips and signals enhance safety by increasing visibility and alerting workers to potential hazards. With their bright colors and reflective materials, warning whips make equipment and danger zones more noticeable. Signals, like flashing lights and alarms, provide immediate alerts for gas leaks, high pressure, or other dangers. These tools help prevent accidents and keep workers aware of their surroundings.
Ground Protection
Ground protection, like covers for hoses and cables, is crucial at natural gas pipeline sites. It prevents damage to essential equipment, reducing the risk of leaks or malfunctions. By keeping hoses and cables intact, ground protection helps avoid tripping hazards, ensuring a safer work environment for pipeline operators. This protection minimizes accidents and keeps operations running smoothly and safely.
Hurt Working on a Natural Gas Pipeline? Contact Our West Virginia Work Injury Lawyers
Your employer has a legal obligation to keep you safe at job sites, including when you’re working on or at a natural gas pipeline. Securing workers’ compensation benefits after a workplace accident at a natural gas pipeline can be challenging, but working with an experienced attorney can help. The West Virginia pipeline injury lawyers at Robinette Legal Group, PLLC, can assess your injuries, see if you qualify for a workers’ comp claim or personal injury lawsuit, and prepare your claims to recover compensation from a pipeline incident. If you’re an injured worker, call us today or complete our contact form for a free consultation.
Our Awards and Certifications
