Everything You Never Knew About Crude Oil
Every time you fill up your vehicle’s gas tank or purchase one of the thousands of products derived from petroleum products, you are benefiting from crude oil. When most people think of crude oil, they imagine black sludge being pumped out of the ground. But what is crude oil, exactly, and where does it come from?
If you live in Texas, you are more closely connected to crude oil than you may have realized. It plays an important role in the state’s economy and has a direct impact on your everyday life. Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is Crude Oil and Where Does It Come From?
Crude oil is made up of hydrocarbons that have been formed from plant and animal remains over millions of years. A combination of pressure and heat from layers of rock, silt, and sand turned the remains into crude oil, also known as petroleum. Crude oil and other types of hydrocarbons can exist in gaseous and liquid form.
To access crude oil, oil companies will use drilling machines in the ocean or on land. They locate underground reservoirs, drill to the appropriate depth, and begin extracting the valuable liquid.
What’s the Difference Between Other Oils and Crude Oil?
Crude oil is unrefined. Many of the other types of oils you encounter every day are refined versions of raw petroleum.
Some examples include:
- Gasoline
- Motor oil
- Diesel
- Jet fuel
- Kerosene
- Grease for mechanical components
Asphalt, vaseline, and many other everyday items are also produced using crude oil.
On the other hand, cooking oils are derived from completely different ingredients. Most cooking oils are made from avocados, olives, coconut, vegetables, or other plant products. Crude oil and its derivatives should never be ingested. They contain toxic substances that can cause serious harm.
Crude Oil In Texas
Crude oil harvesting and processing play a major part in the Texas economy. There are oil fields throughout The Lone Star State, including in Friendswood, Texas. The state’s economy has thrived due to the profits generated by the oil industry.
Working in the oil fields or on offshore rigs can provide lucrative opportunities for Texans. Unfortunately, this type of work can also be very dangerous, often leading to workplace accidents.
Is Obtaining Crude Oil Dangerous?
Yes, it certainly can be.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), the top hazards associated with the oil and gas extraction industries include the following:
- Vehicle crashes
- Struck by or caught between accidents
- Explosions and fires
- Falls
- Confined space accidents
- Ergonomic-related injuries (i.e., lifting heavy items)
- Exposure to hazards from high-pressure lines
- Electrical hazards
- Machine hazards
The injuries stemming from these accidents can be absolutely catastrophic.
What Injuries Can Occur During An Oilfield Accident?
An oilfield accident can lead to all sorts of injuries, including the following:
- Broken bones
- Cuts and scrapes
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Crushing injuries
- Paralysis
- Death
Some injuries, such as cuts and scrapes, require very little medical treatment. On the other hand, a traumatic brain injury can have life-altering consequences for the injured person and their loved ones.
The Future of Crude Oil
Crude oil remains the world’s primary source of energy. As extraction and refinement technologies improve, oil companies become more efficient at harvesting and producing petroleum products. These advancements are also helping to make oil production safer for all involved, but catastrophic accidents still impact countless oil field workers every single year.
Contact the Texas Personal Injury Lawyers of The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers. Call us at (281) 992-8633 for Help Today
Please contact an experienced personal injury lawyer at The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers to get a free initial consultation today. We have offices in Friendswood and Galveston, Texas. Call us at (281) 612-7550.
The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers – Galveston Office
2101 Mechanic St. Suite 253
Galveston, TX 77550
409-904-0753
The Law Firm of Alton C. Todd Personal Injury Lawyers – Friendswood Office
312 S. Friendswood Dr.
Friendswood, TX 77546
281-992-8633
