An oil rig explosion in the town of Marshall, Oklahoma, this past Friday sent four workers to the hospital, where three remain critically injured. According to reports from Oklahoma’s News On 6, the blast occurred at around 7:30 PM after pressure control systems on the rig failed and ignited an oil and natural gas mixture coming from the well.

The explosion happened with little to no warning and captured four men in the path of the blast. They were all taken to a local hospital for treatment, where three are still receiving care for the burns they received. Doctors estimate that the men should be released later this week or early next week.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that an increase of 65 percent has been seen in recent years in regards to the number of workers who are killed on-the-job each year by fires and explosions. Their data shows that 187 workers died in 2010, versus the 113 that died in 2009. Also on the rise is the number of deaths each year in the extraction industry with 91 in 2010, up from 59 in 2009. The number of those injured in these categories has been on the rise as well in recent years.

While a job may be considered dangerous, the Oklahoma workers’ compensation lawyers with J. Colbert Injury Lawyers know that employers have a responsibility to supply all employees with a safe work environment. That is why they are here to help anyone who has been injured on-the-job at no fault of their own.

The dangers blue-collared workers face on the job site was highlighted last Friday night in Kingfisher, Oklahoma, when a tank four men were working on exploded. According to reports from News Channel 4, investigators with the Kingfisher Fire Department determined the blast was caused by residual gas and flammable fumes that had built up in the tank.

One of the men was welding on the tank with the three others standing near the front of it when a spark from the torch ignited into a giant fireball. The blast knocked windows out of surrounding cars and buildings and left the tank with a gaping hole on the underside, but miraculously none of the men around the tank were injured.

While all the workers in this case luckily escaped unscathed, other workers may not be so lucky if a similar accident were to occur. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the construction industry is the most dangerous, having more fatal accidents per year than the trucking industry. In fact, in the year 1995, welders alone accounted for a total of 72 deaths in the industry.

That’s why it’s important that employers and contractors promote a safety oriented work environment and carry plenty of workers’ compensation insurance. Unfortunately, many times when an accident happens, insurance companies do not properly compensate the victim.

The Oklahoma workers’ compensation attorneys with J. Colbert Injury Lawyers advise those who were hurt on-the-job at no fault of their own to seek the advice of an attorney immediately after getting medical attention.

A railroad yard employee was killed earlier this month after a collision between the all-terrain-vehicle she was riding and a rolling flat car in the yard. NewsOn6.com reported the accident occurred in the early morning hours of August 4 in west Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The 39-year-old employee was being transported across the yard on the ATV when they came to a track crossing in the BNSF Cherokee yard. Investigators with the Oklahoma Highway Patrol say the unmanned flatcar was rolling along the track into a lineup of cars being attached to another train. For an unknown reason, the driver of the ATV did not see the train car coming and the two collided. Rescuers worked for nearly two hours to free the woman from the wreckage, but were unable to save her. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The victim’s co–workers were shocked by the tragic loss because of the woman’s impeccable safety record. Her manager stated, “This was a tragic accident and is a shock to our employees and company. She was a very prominent figure and a valuable employee to Tulsa, with her hand in every safety organization and with the union.”

If you have lost a loved one because of a workplace accident, the Oklahoma Wrongful Death Attorneys with J. Colbert Injury Lawyers may be able to help you hold those responsible for your loss accountable. Contact their team of lawyers for a free consultation of your case.

Three Oklahoma City firefighters were hospitalized for burns and heat exhaustion they suffered after battling a blaze that burned more than 80 acres. As reported by newsok.com, the fire started near SW119 and Mustang Road around 2:15 PM on Monday, burning a barn and threatening several homes in the area before being extinguished. Around 40 Oklahoma City firefighters were on the scene, along with members of nine other area departments, and battled the blaze for over five hours. Paramedics remained on the scene the entire time to evaluate firefighters’ conditions and ensure they didn’t suffer heat-related illness. Three Oklahoma City firefighters were transported to area hospitals; two were treated for heat exhaustion, while the third was treated for second degree burns to his hands and arms.

Oklahoma City fire Battalion Chief, Brian Stanaland, stated that he tries to make sure all the firefighters stay hydrated on and off the job by insisting they drink plenty of water the day before reporting for duty. He says, “Even the day before they come on duty, we’re getting them to hydrate the day before. If we see any signs of heat illness, we evaluate them immediately and transport them to the hospital if necessary.”

Most Oklahoma workers’ compensation claims are denied at least once before the claim is settled. It may help to hire an Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Attorney with J. Colbert Injury Lawyers to fight your case and stand up for your rights.

Peter Frampton and Yes were gearing up to play a concert at the Lucky Star Casino when the situation turned hazardous due to strong winds. The tent that was erected for the concert collapsed and injured six crew members, which could lead to Oklahoma workers’ compensation cases.

Most of the crew members suffered nonlife-threatening injuries, though one man suffered a broken leg, which may lead to Oklahoma workers’ compensation for the crew members.

The concert had to be rescheduled due to weather and the accident.

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Have you ever been injured on the job? Are you eligible for Oklahoma workers’ compensation? Tell the Oklahoma workers’ compensation lawyers J. Colbert Injury Lawyers about your loss.

That may be the case after what happened at Webco in Sand Springs when a man suffered an injury that could lead to an Oklahoma worker’s compensation case.

According to KJRH, an 18-year-old man suffered a work injury at the Oklahoma plant which manufactures special tubing. He suffered serious injuries and was taken to a hospital. He is said to be in critical condition.

Do you think his work-related injury may lead to an Oklahoma worker’s compensation case?

Have you ever been injured on the job? Do you require compensation while you recuperate? The Oklahoma work injury lawyers at J. Colbert Injury Lawyers can help.

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The accident that could lead to the Oklahoma’s worker compensation case occurred when the man was resting in a bunkhouse and pipes fell from the building above. The man’s crew was working when the pipes slipped, falling onto the area where the worker was resting.

Investigations for the accident that could lead to an Oklahoma worker’s compensation case are ongoing.

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The Oklahoma workers’ compensation attorneys at J.Colbert Injury Lawyers can help if you were injured on the job.