Oil rigs are like small cities in the middle of the ocean. These large structures, which often rise hundreds of feet above the water, are full of heavy machinery, flammable materials, and workers laboring long hours in challenging conditions.
Even so, working on oil rigs appeals to many people due to the potential for high compensation. Benefits like health insurance, training, and accelerated career growth can also make working on an oil rig attractive.
The Risks of the Job
Here’s a look at the most common risks associated with working on an oil rig off the coast of Houston:
Falls
Falls are a common cause of death among oil rig workers. Working in a wet environment increases the risk of slipping, tripping, and falling. Sometimes, workers fall on dangerous objects and materials, leading to head injuries, bone fractures, or even death.
Moreover, if a worker falls overboard, especially in rough seas or at night, rescue can be difficult. Even strong swimmers can struggle in cold water or strong currents.
Fire and Explosions
Fires are among the most common accidents on oil rigs due to the abundance of highly combustible chemicals used for drilling. Although these structures are surrounded by water, they’re extremely difficult to put out because water is ineffective for extinguishing oil fires.
A spark in the wrong place can lead to a massive explosion, as demonstrated by the catastrophic Deepwater Horizon disaster of 2010.
Impacts With Moving Equipment
Oil rigs are full of heavy machinery in constant motion — cranes swinging overhead, drill pipes rotating at high speeds, and vehicles moving across the platform. These and other pieces of equipment can easily crush limbs or cause severe internal injuries.
Exposure To Toxic Chemicals
Oil workers routinely handle dangerous substances. Hydrogen sulfide gas, for instance, is a toxic material that’s common in oil fields. Even brief exposure to such chemicals can cause serious health problems.
Electrical Hazards
With all the power needed to run an oil rig, electrical accidents are a constant risk. Water and electricity don’t mix, and on an offshore rig, water is everywhere.
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Oil Rig Accident Statistics
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the rate of fatalities for oil and gas extraction workers is several times higher than those of other U.S. industries.
Additionally, it’s reported that between 2013 and 2017, 489 oil and gas extraction workers were killed on the job. That’s not a small number, considering it comes out to more than 100 deaths per year in a single industry.
Why Oil Rigs Are So Dangerous
There are numerous reasons why oil rig work is particularly risky. They include:
Isolation
If something goes wrong, help isn’t right around the corner like in a factory, where an ambulance can be there in minutes. On an oil rig, you might be hours away from the nearest hospital.
Fatigue
Offshore rig workers work for extended hours, increasing the risk of fatigue. 12-hour shifts are typical; however, it’s common for workers to be clocked in for longer hours. The working environment might also limit the quality of rest a worker can get.
What’s more, burnout can lead to reduced cognitive function, which poses a danger when operating dangerous heavy machinery.
Pressure
It takes a lot of pressure to keep the oil flowing, which can lead to cut corners on safety procedures. It’s the classic tradeoff between safety and productivity, only with higher stakes.
Weather
Storms can make an already dangerous job even more hazardous, with high winds and rough seas making equipment harder to control and increasing the risk of falls.
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Safety Is Never Guaranteed in Offshore Oil Work
While many organizations are constantly making efforts to improve safety standards, working on an oil rig remains one of the most hazardous professions there is. Understanding the potential risks is crucial for anyone involved in the energy industry or concerned about worker safety.
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Contact a Houston Maritime Injury Lawyer to Help You With Your Claim
For more information, contact the Houston maritime injury law firm of Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers by calling (713) 500-5000.
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