Roderick C. Lopez | November 1, 2024 | Oil Rig Accidents

The Dangers of Working on an Oil Rig

Approximately 585 active oil rigs operate in the United States, and each one poses dangers that threaten the safety of its workers. Hundreds of offshore oil and gas workers are hurt yearly in accidents and mishaps. Yet, despite such a statistic, many of them may not fully appreciate the many ways they can be injured while working.

The inherent hazards accompanying oil and gas exploration do not relieve a rig owner from their responsibility of creating a reasonably safe working environment. It is a duty that includes providing appropriate training and protective gear to minimize the risk of injury. Employees, contractors, and third parties can all be severely hurt, or worse, if an oil rig operator abandons their legal duties.

Common Oil Rig Hazards

Oil rigs can cover hundreds of thousands of square feet, similar in size to several football fields. But despite their size, workers on these rigs are always near something capable of causing a severe or fatal injury. 

These dangers include the following:

Heavy Equipment

Extracting oil from deep within the earth requires specialized equipment and machinery weighing thousands of pounds. Pipes, drilling equipment, and cranes can crush workers if not used responsibly. Even a crushed finger, hand, foot, or leg can require amputation and prevent the worker from returning to work.

Toxic Fumes and Hazardous Chemicals

Rig workers are regularly exposed to solvents, lubricants, oil, and other chemicals and hazardous substances. Some of these can cause burns if they come into contact with exposed skin, while others present respiratory risks if inhaled. Exposure could temporarily impair a worker, making an accident more likely.

Falls

The bulk of an oil rig’s structure might be beneath the water’s surface, but the structure above the water can stretch hundreds of feet tall. Falling from such heights can be fatal, as can a fall from a tall ladder onto the rig’s surface. Therefore, all rig workers should be afforded fall-arrest equipment and other safety gear whenever they are handling a task that puts them at risk of falling.

Explosions and Fires

Oil and other substances are moved through pipes under very high pressure on an oil rig. A damaged pipe can explode, and the force of such an explosion can injure or even kill anyone nearby. It can also send shrapnel flying at dangerous speeds, which can cause severe or fatal harm to unsuspecting workers who may not even be near the explosion itself.

These explosions can also cause (or be caused by) flames. Such fires are difficult to extinguish and can burn until the material fueling the fire is consumed. Regular inspections and maintenance of these complex systems are critical to preventing an explosion or fire on a rig.

Weather Conditions

Oil rigs are exposed to the elements at full force, and though they might easily withstand brutal weather conditions, their workers may not be so fortunate. They could be struck by flying debris, swept off the rig, or fall while traversing slippery surfaces.

Injuries Oil Rig Workers Can Sustain on the Job

Just as the dangers on an oil rig vary, so, too, do the injuries a worker can sustain. These include any of the following:

When any injury takes place, the affected worker should immediately seek and obtain the care they need. Reporting the accident to a supervisor can ensure that the injured person receives prompt emergency assistance.

Tips For Avoiding Oil Rig Injuries

Though the risk of a severe or fatal accident is always present on an oil rig, there are actions workers can take to reduce their chances of being involved in one of these incidents.

In particular, they are advised to do the following:

Obtain Sufficient Safety Training

As an oil rig worker, you have a right to receive information pertaining to the dangers present on your rig, as well as instructions on remaining safe. Ask your supervisor to provide these crucial forms of information to you as soon as possible after arriving on the rig. Ask questions if you do not understand anything, and encourage your supervisor to update you on new dangers.

Your employer should also tell you about all the dangerous chemicals and substances you can come into contact with on the rig. You should be told how to handle these substances safely and what to do in the event of accidental exposure.

Not only must your employer inform you of dangers, but they must also give you the safety equipment you need to do your job without any added danger. However, it is up to you to use that equipment. Before doing so, inspect it for defects or signs of wear. Alert your supervisor about any equipment that might need to be replaced.

If you are unsure of what safety equipment is appropriate for a particular task or how to use it, speak up and ask. Your employer’s obligations include ensuring that you know how to use the equipment you need to do your job.

Avoid Any Impairing Substances or Situations

Working on an oil rig demands precision. One minor mistake may be all it takes for you or someone else to sustain an injury. Therefore, avoid working while impaired by things like alcohol or drugs. Ensure that you get enough rest, as well, as sleep deprivation can similarly negatively affect your judgment and faculties.

Remain Alert To Your Surroundings

Working on a rig is no place to let your attention slip. Focus on what you are doing and your surroundings, especially when away from your quarters. Remember that you’re always susceptible to an injury on a rig, not just when you are on the clock. If you observe something unsafe, fix the condition or alert your supervisor to it.

Oil and Gas Exploration Is Dangerous Work

The oil and gas industry will always involve dangerous work, especially for those working on rigs out at sea. However, that doesn’t mean workers should expect to be injured. Understanding how you can be hurt and how to reduce your risk of injury are fundamental steps toward making you safer. Your employer has a legal obligation to help you complete your job safely.

Contact Our Oil Rig Accident Lawyer for a Free Consultation in Laredo, TX

At Roderick C. Lopez Personal Injury Lawyers, we are dedicated to protecting our community and advocating for your rights. By working together, using the information provided, and spreading awareness for everyone.

Roderick C. Lopez Personal Injury Lawyers
6557 Metro Court, Suite 1 Laredo, TX 78041
(956) 529-7336

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