Living Off the Grid in the City Podcast 14. The oil and gas industry generates large revenues worldwide and employs millions of people. However, despite being a profitable sector, it is also extremely dangerous for workers exposed to harmful environments and hazardous products. It is estimated that more than 100,000 people have died since 1970 due to working in this industry and thousands of workers suffer injuries and illnesses each year. In the United States, between 2013 and 2017, 489 worker deaths were recorded in this industry. The major hazards associated with this industry include a wide range of tasks, equipment, products and hazardous environments in which workers are exposed.