# What Are the Dangers of Working on an Oil Rig in Houston, TX? | Attorney Brian White **Table of Contents***[*Expand*]* 1. The Risks of the Job 2. Oil Rig Accident Statistics 3. Why Oil Rigs Are So Dangerous 4. Safety Is Never Guaranteed in Offshore Oil Work 5. Contact a Houston Maritime Injury Lawyer to Help You With Your Claim ![What Are the Dangers of Working on an Oil Rig in Houston, TX?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/What-Are-the-Dangers-of-Working-on-an-Oil-Rig-in-Houston-TX-300x183.jpg) 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](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/do-i-have-to-pay-back-health-insurance-after-an-accident/), 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](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/oil-rig-accident-lawyer/) off the coast of [Houston](https://www.houstontx.gov/): ### 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](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/brain-injury-lawyer/), [bone fractures](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/broken-bones/), or even [death](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/wrongful-death-lawyer/). 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](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/texas/oil-rig-accident-lawyer/) 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](https://www.epa.gov/enforcement/deepwater-horizon-bp-gulf-america-oil-spill/) 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](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/types-of-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](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/electrocution-lawyer/) are a constant risk. Water and electricity don’t mix, and on an offshore rig, water is everywhere. For a legal consultation call [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) ## Oil Rig Accident Statistics According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the rate of [fatalities for oil and gas extraction workers](https://www.bls.gov/charts/census-of-fatal-occupational-injuries/fatal-occupational-injuries-private-sector-mining.htm) 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](https://www.osha.gov/oil-and-gas-extraction) 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](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/houston-tx/slip-and-fall-accident-lawyer/). [Click to contact](/contact-us/) us today ## 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. Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Now ## Contact a Houston Maritime Injury Lawyer to Help You With Your Claim For more information, [contact](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/contact-us/) the Houston maritime injury law firm of [Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/about/) by calling [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000).  **Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – Houston**[3120 Southwest Freeway, Suite 350, Houston, TX 77098](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Attorney+Brian+White+Personal+Injury+Lawyers+-+Houston/@29.7309684,-95.4262545,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x8640bf255e7aaf73:0x52064b120afa59fe!8m2!3d29.7309684!4d-95.4262545!16s%2Fg%2F1tfrxw9q?entry=tts/) **Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – East Fwy**[11811 East Fwy, Suite 630-06, Houston, TX 77029](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Attorney+Brian+White+Personal+Injury+Lawyers+-+East+Fwy/@29.773407,-95.2301421,17z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x8640bd52b80b3fe3:0xb5804dd15c47b17b!8m2!3d29.773407!4d-95.2301421!16s%2Fg%2F11r10lsb0x?source=g.page.share&entry=tts/) **Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – South Loop**[2600 S Loop W, Suite 293, Houston, TX 77054](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Attorney+Brian+White+Personal+Injury+Lawyers+-+South+Loop/@29.6785093,-95.4184191,16z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x8640c1c0e435eacd:0x81fd3c6eb30bc542!8m2!3d29.6785093!4d-95.4184191!16s%2Fg%2F11ry4wjwqr?cid=9366709246148461890&_ga=2.209939733.1628598219.1648478482-1081226185.1622227003&shorturl=1&entry=tts/) **Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers – Katy Freeway**[11511 Katy Fwy Suite 515, Houston, TX 77079](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Attorney+Brian+White+Personal+Injury+Lawyers+-+Katy+Freeway/@29.7836667,-95.5861677,15z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x8640dbd008653a11:0x9786540c9ab0bfd9!8m2!3d29.7836667!4d-95.5861677!16s%2Fg%2F11y3dw2v44?sa=X&ved=1t:2428&ictx=111&entry=tts/) **Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers** **– Clear Lake** [1300 Bay Area Blvd Suite B268, Houston, TX 77058](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Attorney+Brian+White+Personal+Injury+Lawyers+-+Clear+Lake/@29.5598212,-95.1152728,15z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x86409d1b345242c9:0x5895a119f6ed1d9!8m2!3d29.5598212!4d-95.1152728!16s%2Fg%2F11lf7xm8n8?sa=X&ved=1t:2428&ictx=111&coh=219816&entry=tts&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MDgxNC4xKgBIAVAD/) **Attorney Brian White Personal Injury Lawyers** **– The Woodlands** [1776 Woodstead Ct ste 203, The Woodlands, TX 77380](https://www.google.com/maps/place/Attorney+Brian+White+Personal+Injury+Lawyers+-+The+Woodlands/@30.1548897,-95.4639792,15z/data=!4m6!3m5!1s0x864737efe5a3cb73:0xff70634b80d03844!8m2!3d30.1548897!4d-95.4639792!16s%2Fg%2F11y98y92_f?sa=X&ved=1t:2428&ictx=111&entry=tts&g_ep=EgoyMDI0MTExOS4yIPu8ASoASAFQAw%3D%3D/) Call or Text [(713) 500-5000](tel:+17135005000) or Complete a [Case Evaluation Form](/contact-us/) Maritime Accidents Blog Posts: [![Oil Rig Workers Are Well Paid, But Are The Dangers Worth The Money?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Oil-Rig-Workers-Are-Well-Paid-But-Are-The-Dangers-Worth-The-Money-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/oil-rig-workers-are-well-paid-but-are-the-dangers-worth-the-money/) [Oil Rig Workers Are Well Paid, but Are the Dangers Worth the Money?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/oil-rig-workers-are-well-paid-but-are-the-dangers-worth-the-money/) Oil rig jobs are plentiful in Texas. Workers who don’t mind the physical nature of the job are drawn to the good pay [![Underwater & Hyperbaric Welding: What You Need to Know](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Underwater-Hyperbaric-Welding-What-You-Need-to-Know-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/underwater-hyperbaric-welding-what-you-need-to-know/) [Underwater Hyperbaric Welding: What You Need to Know](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/underwater-hyperbaric-welding-what-you-need-to-know/) Underwater welding is one of the most extreme (and hazardous) jobs in the world. It combines the danger of deep-sea [![Everything You Never Knew About Crude Oil](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Everything-You-Never-Knew-About-Crude-Oil-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/everything-you-never-knew-about-crude-oil/) [Everything You Never Knew About Crude Oil](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/everything-you-never-knew-about-crude-oil/) Crude oil has a huge impact on your daily life, especially if you live in Texas. The Lone Star State ranks first in [![Offshore Drilling for Oil: How Does It Work Exactly?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/offshore-drilling-for-oil-how-does-it-work-exactly-300x200.jpg)](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/offshore-drilling-for-oil-how-does-it-work-exactly/) [Offshore Drilling for Oil: How Does It Work Exactly?](https://attorneybrianwhite.com/blog/offshore-drilling-for-oil-how-does-it-work-exactly/) Roughly 30% of the world’s oil comes from offshore fields, but how exactly does it reach the surface? Offshore --- Source: https://attorneybrianwhite.com/faqs/what-are-the-dangers-of-working-on-an-oil-rig-in-houston-tx/