According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE), there were 203 injuries on offshore rigs belonging to U.S. companies in 2023 alone. As jarring as such statistics may be, they omit incidents that happen on foreign-owned vessels, which means the total number of oil rig injuries is likely even higher.
These jobs certainly pay well—the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates that employees in the oil and gas extraction industry earn an average hourly wage of around $48. Still, the work can be physically grueling, leading to exhaustion and, in some cases, serious injuries.
Discover the common injuries sustained by those in this high-risk industry, what causes them, and what happens when physical labor results in pain and suffering.
Common Injuries for Oil Rig Workers
There’s no denying that working on an oil rig can be both physically demanding and dangerous.
Here are some of the most common injuries that occur among those who do this kind of labor:
- Burns
- Crush injuries
- Chemical exposure
- Electrocution
- Lacerations and punctures
- Neck and back injuries
- Overuse or repetitive motion injuries
These injuries often require extensive, ongoing, and costly medical treatment. In addition to lowering a worker’s quality of life, they can also be severe enough to cause them to miss work, furthering their personal and financial woes.
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What Causes Injuries On Oil Rigs?
There are many different possible causes of injuries for oil rig employees, including the following:
Long Hours of Hard Labor
Many of the jobs on an oil rig require significant physical exertion, including lifting heavy objects and being in continuous motion. Workers may spend long hours in harsh weather conditions. As deadlines loom, they may get fewer breaks, and their work can go on for weeks at a time.
Heavy Machinery
Oil rig employees must know how to operate heavy machinery that’s often loud, hot, and dangerous. If this equipment malfunctions, it can cause crushing injuries or puncture the skin. Workers are also at risk of being struck by falling objects or cranes, or even slipping and falling while working at height on rough waters.
Exposure to Hazardous Materials
Oil rig workers are constantly exposed to hazardous and even toxic substances, such as diesel exhaust, hydrogen sulfide, methane, and radioactive materials. Working in confined spaces means they can come into contact with high concentrations of these substances.
Unfortunately, high exposure can lead to acute toxicity. It can also trigger chronic health problems like cancer, kidney damage, and nervous system issues.
Lack of Safety Gear or Training
The U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration requires that oil rig workers receive job-specific safety training. This comprehensive education should cover topics like hazard communication, fall protection, confined space entry, and the proper use of protective gear.
Employers are also required to provide appropriate protective equipment, such as hard hats, safety glasses, and flame-resistant clothing. Workers can be seriously injured if these protocols aren’t followed as written.
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If you’ve recently been hurt while working on an oil rig, it’s crucial to seek immediate medical attention, report the injury, and document all details of the incident. As the consequences of an oil rig injury can be costly (including high medical bills and lost wages), it’s also a good idea to seek help from a qualified attorney.
Whether you’ve sustained broken bones, a herniated disc, or a brain injury, your lawyer will advocate for your rights and examine all legal avenues to getting compensation. These may include workers’ compensation and product liability claims for defective machinery.
For more information, contact the Houston personal injury law firm of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers at (713) 500-5000.
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About the Author Brian White
Brian White earned his J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston and is licensed to practice in Texas. He is a Board-Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer.
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