Fracking (Hydraulic Fracturing) Related Injuries in Workers’ Compensation

Hydraulic fracturing, more commonly referred to as fracking, is a process of extracting fuel from underground. This process involves fracturing formations deep in the bedrock with a highly pressurized liquid containing water, chemicals, and sand. In Pennsylvania, it can be referred to as Marcellus Shale Fracking, named for the rock formations in our area. Workers in the fracking industry face many risks and challenges in this field which can lead to injury and illness. Here, we will discuss some of these risks for injury in the fracking workplace and what to do if you or a loved one has experienced any of these injuries.

Silicosis is a condition caused by the inhalation of respirable crystalline silica. Silica is a mineral found in the earth’s crust that is used in fracturing liquid to crack the bedrock.

Respirable crystalline silica refers to particles so fine that they are able to enter the lungs. Fracking workers are frequently exposed to this fine silica, which has the potential to cause this dangerous condition. Silicosis occurs when these silica particles enter the lungs and irritate the lung tissues, causing inflammation, scarring, and reducing the lung’s capacity to take in oxygen.

Symptoms of silicosis include persistent cough, sputum, and progressive shortness of breath. As the condition progresses, silicosis can also cause more severe difficulty breathing, weakness, fatigue, fever, leg swelling, and discoloration of the lips. Because silicosis also affects the immune system, there are risks of developing other illnesses such as COPD, tuberculosis, and lung cancer. If left untreated, this condition can worsen and become serious and even deadly.

Fracking workers can use equipment such as respirators to prevent the development of silicosis. However, it is important that the employer is monitoring the levels of silica in the air to determine the proper safety measures for their employees since there are levels that even respirators do not protect against. OSHA sets a standard limit of these particles and employers are required to provide protective equipment or take other measures to ensure employees are not exposed.

Fracking workers can also be injured in fires or explosions in the workplace. It is obvious that this industry involves repeated exposure to highly flammable materials, so of course there is always a risk that these materials may ignite. The high quantities of flammable fuels can lead to explosions which poses a serious risk to fracking workers. Serious burns, limb loss, and even death are concerns for workers in this industry.

A fracking job site includes a wide variety of dangerous heavy equipment that can pose a risk to workers. Equipment malfunction or misuse can lead to serious injury or even death.

Poor lighting in these job sites can increase this risk. Other workers may not see an employee and injure them unintentionally. These equipment injuries can be prevented through protective gear such as helmets and through proper training and awareness.

Fracking employees may be exposed to high temperatures in the workplace. Extreme temperatures can cause heat-related illnesses and diseases such as heat stroke, heat exhaustion, and heat syncope. When a worker experiences some of these illnesses, they may pass out, which poses another risk of falls. Heat related illnesses can be prevented by taking frequent breaks and staying hydrated.

If you or a loved one experienced any of these or any other type of injury in the hydraulic fracturing workplace, please contact us. You may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits for your injuries or illness. This can include payment for lost wages and medical expenses or death benefits to the family if the person is deceased. Call our office at 800-518-4529 or reach out online via our web chat. We are here to help!