This week, CNN reported that the Obama administration has unveiled a plan to make the nation's oil and gas pipelines safer. And while much of the pipeline network in the country is old and in desperate need of repair, the major construction needed could lead to an increase in injuries to workers.

On Monday, a news conference was held by the United States Transportation Secretary at the Allentown, Pennsylvania, site of a pipeline explosion in February that left five people dead. There, the Secretary asked the major pipeline companies to step up their game by reviewing their pipeline systems for lines that are highest risk and to speed up work on lines considered to be in most crucial need of repair.

The federal government is asking major oil companies and lawmakers to join in the effort to make pipelines safer after several deadly pipeline explosions in different areas of the country have taken many lives and destroyed many homes. The Secretary said the old age of the pipelines is partly to blame, noting that a California pipeline that recently exploded and killed eight people was constructed in 1956. Similarly, the Allentown pipeline was installed in 1928.

At the news conference, the Secretary said that the issue of unsafe pipelines was "critical" and that action needed to be taken to "avoid future tragedies" like the ones that have already occurred.

The Secretary said that the Obama administration has asked lawmakers to more than double the maximum civil penalties for pipeline violations from $100,000 per each day in violation to $250,000 per day. The administration would also like to see fines increase from $1 million to $2.5 million for certain violations, CNN reported.

Injuries incurred during the construction and maintenance of pipelines are known to be some of the most serious because they are often caused by fires and explosions.

Hopefully the oil companies will act with due care as their pipelines are revamped and made safer, but if you or someone you know is hurt while working on a pipeline, seek immediate medical attention and contact personal injury lawyer. Injured pipeline workers could be eligible for damages from the oil company or workers' compensation from the state.

Source: CNN, "Feds unveil pipeline safety program," CNN Wire Staff, 4/4/2011.