If you're working in North Dakota's booming oil and gas industry, you know the rewards come with real risks. With over 19,000 wells pumping in 2024, ND is a powerhouse in crude oil production, but it's also the deadliest state for workers, boasting a fatality rate of 12.5 per 100,000 people (per the 2017 AFL-CIO report). The oil and gas sector alone sees rates seven times the national average. That's where Larson Law Injury & Accident Lawyers steps in – they've been fighting for injured workers since 1979, helping folks in the Bakken fields and beyond get the compensation they deserve.

The Real Dangers on the Job

Oil field work isn't for the faint of heart. Explosions, fires, and heavy machinery mishaps are all too common, often stemming from negligence, poor maintenance, or defective equipment. Key accident types include:

Oil rig collapses: Faulty design or upkeep can pin workers under debris or cause head trauma.

Explosions and fires: Oil's flammability means one spark can ignite disaster, hard to extinguish with fuel flowing.

Blowouts: Pressure surges damage rigs and injure (or kill) nearby workers.

Derrick falls: Negligence leads to slips from heights.

Pipeline incidents: Spills, explosions, or injuries from over 2.5 million miles of U.S. pipelines.

Truck accidents: Hauling heavy gear increases crash risks on busy sites.

And don't forget hydraulic fracturing (fracking) hazards – truck collisions, silica dust inhalation, chemical exposure, and fiery blowouts that can cause burns or long-term health issues like respiratory problems.

Common Injuries and Their Impact

These accidents often result in life-altering harm:

Amputations from crushes or explosions.

Severe burns, fractures, and traumatic brain injuries.

Neck/back damage leading to chronic pain or paralysis.

Toxic exposure causing neurological/respiratory issues.

Fatalities – sadly, oil/gas workers face sky-high death rates.

Injured workers face massive medical bills, lost wages, and emotional tolls. Families dealing with wrongful death need support for burial costs and lost income.

What to Do If You're Hurt

Act fast: Get medical help immediately (even for "invisible" exposures). Notify your employer to protect workers' comp rights. Gather evidence like medical records, photos, and reports. Then, consult a pro – most injuries qualify for workers' comp, but third-party negligence (e.g., faulty equipment) could mean a personal injury claim.

Larson Law specializes in these cases, investigating causes, identifying liable parties, and battling insurance tactics. They're client-focused, offering free consultations and contingency fees (no win, no pay).

Why Choose Larson Law?

With offices in Minot (1020 North Broadway), Bismarck (3801 Lockport Street, Suite 2), and Fargo (3220 South 18th Street, Suite 8C), they serve Ward, Williams, McKenzie, Pierce, and Mountrail Counties. If you're too injured to travel, they'll come to you or do video/phone chats. Call 701-484-4878 or 701-515-9051, or fill out their online form for a free eval.

In Houston—where major refineries, offshore platforms, and petrochemical plants operate round the clock—high-pressure pipe systems are everywhere. These systems pose unique safety risks, including explosive failures that can lead to dangerous whipping of pipe sections. The Red Iron Sling by RAAH Safety offers a vital layer of protection, designed to restrain piping during high-pressure incidents. 

What Is the Red Iron Sling? 

The Red Iron Sling is a temporary pipe restraint system engineered to control and limit pipe movement in the event of pressure failure. Primarily used in wellheads, flowlines, gathering systems, and pipeline transitions, it clips securely around high-pressure joints or couplings to contain dangerous recoil and protect both personnel and equipment. 

Why Houston Needs It 

Protect Against Catastrophic Failures  Even minor ruptures under high pressure can unleash forceful whipping. The Red Iron Sling prevents uncontrolled movement and minimizes injury risk. 

Compliance with Industrial Safety Standards  Manufactured to ASME B30.9 and other global safety benchmarks, it ensures your operations meet OSHA and refinery safety protocols. 

Versatility Across Applications  From offshore wellheads along the Gulf Coast to chemical plant flow lines, the Red Iron Sling adapts to diverse high-pressure environments. 

Built for the Field  Available in 4 ft, 10 ft, and 20 ft lengths, it’s visibly marked with pipe sizes and PSI ratings—and is easy to install, inspect, and maintain. 

Technical Snapshot 

Feature 

Specifications 

Safety Standard 

ASME B30.9 compliant 

Lengths Available 

4 ft, 10 ft, and 20 ft 

Markings 

Clearly labeled for pipe size and PSI rating 

Installation 

Includes half-hitch shackle and sealing system 

Custom Options 

Available in tailored lengths, colors, and pressure ratings 

Application Scenarios in Houston 

Setting 

Use Case Description 

Offshore Wellhead Operations 

Rapid restraint during pressure test or failure events 

Refinery Piping Networks (e.g., BASF, Shell) 

Control during line maintenance or flushing sequences 

Chemical Plant Flow Lines (e.g., Chevron Phillips) 

Temporary locking during coupling or flange replacements 

Hydraulic or Acid Injection Systems 

Securing connections during high-pressure system purges 

Best Practices for Safe Usage 

Always match the sling to the pipe’s rated pressure and diameter—never exceed limits printed on the tag. 

Conduct visual inspections—check for damage to the outer sleeve, internal webbing, shackles, and seal functionality before each use. 

Prefer replacement over repair—use a new sling immediately if any compromise is detected. 

Installation requires trained personnel—proper attachment and setup are critical to ensure effective performance. 

Final Thought 

Enhancing Oil Well Safety: How Continuous Monitoring Prevents Blowouts and Failures In oil and gas drilling, well safety is crucial. This infographic by Rejig Digital shows how continuous monitoring with IoT sensors and real-time data helps detect problems early to prevent blowouts and failures. 🔍 Key Highlights ✅ Detect pressure anomalies before they escalate ✅ Identify kicks early to prevent uncontrolled flow ✅ Monitor equipment health 24/7 for maximum reliability ✅ Improve operator response with instant, real-time alerts ✅ Ensure compliance with industry safety regulations

💡 See why continuous well monitoring is a vital investment to keep drilling operations safe and efficient.

Discover how continuous monitoring technology is transforming well safety by preventing blowouts and well control problems before they escalate.