As reported in the Houston Chronicle, Chevron Phillips is seeking additional workers due to a recent boom in the shale gas industry. In fact, an expansion estimated at more than $15 billion is underway at plants along the Texas Gulf Coast. Such expansions have prompted Greg Wagner, Vice President of Human Resources at Chevron Phillips, to go on record saying that Chevron Phillips is currently seeking “the best and the brightest”-whether in construction, or in more permanent jobs, such as plant operators, mechanics, and professional positions.
This boom should be taken with caution. As I have previously written, the rapid ramp-up of infrastructure required by the boom in shale production has also created dangerous growing pains. Many rural areas in which the growth has taken place are experiencing heavy truck traffic on roads that were not designed for heavy traffic or large commercial vehicles, which results in an uprise in vehicular accidents. Also, the need for new workers signals that the current workforce cannot handle the current boom, which may lead to overworked employees. Oil field operators have a big financial incentive to work employees hard, and if corners are cut on safety, these operators should be held accountable.
Benny Agosto, Jr. is a partner at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner in Houston, Texas. For over 65 years, Abraham Watkins has successfully represented injured people and families who fall victim to catastrophes. Our attorneys have the knowledge, experience and resources necessary to obtain just compensation their clients. For more information, please contact the office of Benny Agosto, Jr. at Abraham, Watkins, Nichols, Agosto, Aziz & Stogner, by letter at 800 Commerce Street, Houston, Texas 77002, or by phone at (713) 222-7211.