The Marcellus Shale formation in Pennsylvania has spurred a boom in natural gas exploration and led to an explosion in job opportunities, lucrative land leases and concerns over environmental hazards. The process of extracting natural gas from the shale through hydraulic fracturing (fracking) involves use of various chemical additives which return to the surface along with the natural gas. Those working in the field drilling the wells, extracting the natural gas and performing related activities are exposed to these chemicals, along with all of the injury hazards inherent in this work.
This article focuses on the injuries and occupational exposures that Pennsylvania workers may be subject to in the Marcellus Shale workplace, and how those injuries and exposures may be addressed by employers under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act (WCA) and Occupational Disease Act (ODA).
