The Physical Nature of Offshore Oil Rig Jobs
Some people might find working on an offshore oil rig exciting. Others might describe the work as terrifying. Whatever your opinion, thousands of Americans operate these offshore structures and help produce millions of units of oil and natural gas annually. Those who do not work in the industry can easily minimize or ignore the risks oil workers face every day on the job and how common accidents on an oil rig occur
6 Physical Realities About Working on Oil Rigs
Whether you are considering a job working on an oil rig or you’re simply curious about the industry, it’s important to understand that the work is physically demanding and dangerous. Six things to know about this work environment include:
1. The Weather Can Be Your Worst Enemy
Most of the United States’ offshore oil rigs are located in the Gulf of Mexico, where they are exposed to hurricanes, storms, and other weather events. The rain and wind associated with these events can make walkways and ladders slippery and dangerous for oil rig workers. Any slip or fall could be potentially catastrophic or fatal.
2. Dangerous Chemicals Abound on Oil Rigs
Machine lubricants, solvents, and other flammable materials are necessary for workers to perform their jobs and keep the rig operational. An errant spark or improper storage of these materials can lead to fires and explosions. Substances used in confined spaces or against the manufacturer’s guidelines can also cause injuries and illnesses.
3. Machinery Presents Additional Hazards
Rigs use large, complicated equipment consisting of many moving parts to fulfill their function. Inattentive workers can get clothing or body parts caught in a rig’s mechanical parts, leading to loss-of-limb accidents, catastrophic injuries, and fatal accidents. If these machine parts are not regularly inspected and maintained, they can fail and lead to injuries and fatalities.
4. Falling Objects Can Lead To Traumatic Brain Injuries
Oil rig workers should always wear head protection when working or moving around an oil rig. The rig is a busy place, and tools or equipment can fall by accident. Anyone caught beneath a falling object can be struck in the head and sustain a concussion or other head injury. These traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can leave individuals with permanent disabilities.
5. The Rig Could Experience Structural Failure
Rigs may look sturdy, but any structure can fail under certain conditions. A severe weather event, machine failure, or explosion could compromise the structural integrity of the rig and cause it to collapse. While such events are rare, they can result in a significant loss of life.
6. The Work Is Physically Demanding
In addition to the environmental dangers, being an oil rig worker is a physically demanding job. On any given day, you could be lifting and carrying heavy loads, climbing ladders, working with hand tools, and moving on your feet for hours on end. This sort of environment can stress your back, joints, and muscles and cause ergonomic injuries.
Life As an Oil Rig Worker
An oil rig worker must remain alert for dangers that could lead to serious injury or death. This need for vigilance increases when experiencing adverse weather or periods of high activity on the rig. There is little room for error, such as slipping on a wet walkway in a storm or getting an arm or leg caught in machinery.
Common sense and precautions can reduce some of the risks workers face. Additionally, ensuring that workers receive adequate training and functional safety gear can lower the chance of an accident. However, working on an offshore rig will always be dangerous and physically demanding work.
Contact our Oil Rig Accident Attorneys at Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers in Denver. Call us at (720) 613 9706
For more information, please contact the Denver oil rig accident lawyers at Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free initial consultation with a Denver personal injury lawyer.
We are located in Denver, CO, proudly serving all Denver County.
Zaner Law Personal Injury Lawyers
1610 Wynkoop Street, Suite 120.
Denver, CO 80202
(720) 613 9706
