By Gabby Shacknai
At least 74 people have died working in North Dakota’s Bakken oil fields since 2006, while oil production has risen twelve-fold. Meanwhile, the major oil companies affiliated with these deaths have both profited from an increase in oil production and evaded legal consequences for the accidents.
Brendan Wegner began working in the Bakken fields at 21 with the promise of a six-figure salary within a year and a half. He died in an oil rig accident on his first day working on the rig in 2011.
Usually, the employer is the one who would usually be held responsible for the accident, but in this case, the employer and the operator of the oil well were two separate companies, which complicated the situation.
Oil and energy companies typically hire what are known as company men, site supervisors who are mostly independent contractors.
“Company men are essentially the representatives of the oil companies themselves. But, ultimately, they are the ones in charge of the sites," Eric Brooks, the director of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)’s Bismarck office, said.
But the presence of a middle man can complicate the process after an accident, distancing oil companies from having to face legal action.
Many energy companies are drawn to North Dakota for the very reason that they can sidestep accountability, safety expert Dennis Schmitz said. "Everybody wants to come to North Dakota and do business because there’s no restrictions,” Schmitz said.
Wegner's parents reached a settlement for an undisclosed amount. But as the price of crude oil continues to decrease, many in the Bakken fear that the pressure to put speed before safety will only increase.
Warm up questions
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What happens on an oil rig?
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What is "accountability"?
Critical thinking questions
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What are the consequences of oil companies' current approach to safety practices?
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When accidents happen to workers in the oil industry, how should the industry address oil companies' role?
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If you were a lawmaker, what legislation surrounding these issues would you suggest be put into action?
