Occupational Health & Worker's Compensation Practice Test 2026 – Comprehensive Exam Prep

The oil and gas extraction industry has a notably high fatality risk, primarily due to the hazardous nature of the work involved. Operations in this sector often take place in extreme conditions, involve heavy machinery, and include exposure to high-risk activities such as drilling, rigging, and working with dangerous materials. The combination of these factors leads to a higher incidence of fatalities compared to other industries.

In terms of statistics, the fatality rate in the oil and gas extraction sector has been recorded to be disproportionately high when compared to the average for all U.S. industries. This elevated risk is attributable to the physical dangers workers face, such as falls, fires, explosions, and equipment mishaps, making strict safety regulations and training essential for minimizing accidents.

While other industries, such as construction, also have significant risks associated with them, the oil and gas extraction sector consistently demonstrates a pattern of fatality rates that are seven times greater than the national average across various industries, underscoring the unique hazards present in this field.