Oil Rig Injury Attorneys

Oil rig accidents that result in injury happen for a variety of reasons. One factor contributing to oil rig accidents is the hazardous nature of the work environment itself. The oil field industry involves heavy machinery, flammable gasses, and exposure to toxic chemicals. 

Working long hours in a small area under high-pressure situations can also lead to fatigue and decreased alertness, increasing the risk of accidents.

Weather conditions can also play a role in these incidents. Slippery floors from spills or poor weather, cluttered paths, and improper procedures during shutdowns create potential hazards for workers.

Another potential cause is negligence on the part of the oil company. 

Company negligence could include:

• Providing inadequate training to new employees
• Failing to provide or properly maintain equipment
• Disregarding safety protocols in exchange for increased production rates

There is little room for error on an oil rig, and when mistakes happen, injuries may follow.

As mentioned, oil rig accidents can occur due to various factors, including equipment malfunctions or a company’s disregard for human life.

Sometimes, workers walk away with minor injuries, including sprains, strains, cuts, and bruises. While some injuries may not seem too serious initially, workers may feel increasing pain and discomfort. Regardless of a person’s initial pain level, he or she should seek help right away since less severe injuries can quickly become significant health issues if left untreated.

On the other hand, severe oil rig injuries may involve catastrophic burns, head trauma, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, or fractures — just to name a few. These types of personal injuries require immediate medical attention and may result in permanent disability or disfigurement.

The following are just a few common dangers facing oil industry workers.

Burn injuries, explosions, and fires on oil rigs

Burn injuries are a serious and all-too-common occurrence on oil rigs. The combination of flammable materials, high temperatures, and the potential for explosions can create extremely hazardous conditions for workers. 

In addition to burn injuries caused by explosions and fires, oil rig workers also face risks from hot surfaces or equipment that may come into contact with their skin. Hazards include equipment such as pipes or machinery that become heated during operations.

The risks increase when workers are engaged in “hot work” operations, which involve working with toxic and highly flammable materials. 

Hot work operations include:

• Burning
• Welding
• Using tools that produce fire or sparks

Between 2005 and 2015, the oilfield industry saw 85 fire and explosion fatalities, including 28 hot work deaths.

Explosions and fires on oil rigs can result in catastrophic burns that cause severe pain, physical disfigurement, and long-term health complications.

When an explosion occurs on an oil rig, the resulting fire can quickly engulf the surrounding area. The intense heat from these fires can cause first-degree burns, also called superficial burns, or worse to anyone caught in its path. Second-degree burns involve blistering of the skin and are even more painful. Third-degree burns are the most severe, as they extend through all layers of skin to underlying tissues.

The consequences of burn injuries go beyond just physical pain — victims may require:

• Immediate medical treatment
• Surgeries and skin grafts
• Rehabilitation therapy
• Psychological trauma due to the severity of their injuries

Falls from heights

Working at heights is common on oil rigs, and it comes with inherent risks. The constant movement of crew members, small spaces with slippery surfaces, and heavy equipment can make even the most experienced workers vulnerable to falls. 

Sometimes, workers are not given a harness or do not receive training on how to wear one. In other cases, harness equipment may not be adequately maintained or secured despite a worker’s precautions. Occasionally, safety harnesses malfunction, causing workers to freefall. 

One study found that in 86 percent of fatal falls examined, workers did not use fall protection either properly or entirely. In some cases, the harness malfunctioned. Derrickmen are at increased risk of falling because their work is physically taxing and repetitive, requires concentration, and allows little room for error.

To prevent falls from heights, oil companies must have strict safety protocols in place, such as:

• Providing proper training for all workers on how to work at heights safely
• Teaching workers to use safety equipment
• Alerting personnel to the dangers inherent to the job
• Training all team members to identify potential hazards on the job site
• Conducting regular inspections of equipment
• Requiring meticulous attention to detail and adherence to safety procedures on the part of supervisors

Slipping, tripping, and falling

Slip-and-fall accidents are a common occurrence on oil rigs. With oil and other slippery substances on floors, even a tiny misstep can lead to severe injuries. Working in adverse weather conditions such as rain or high winds can also increase the slip-and-fall risk.

When safety protocols are neglected, injuries such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, head trauma, or even death may result. In addition to physical injuries and emotional trauma, oil field accidents can result in lost wages and other financial damages.

Companies must adequately train workers on safely navigating slippery surfaces and cramped spaces. Regular maintenance of equipment and ensuring that all safety gear is in good condition is also essential.

Workers must be vigilant and aware of their surroundings at all times. Slip-and-fall accidents can occur on the main deck, stairs, break areas, or even in living quarters.

Workers must be taught:

• How to wear appropriate non-slip footwear
• How to fit and secure safety harnesses 
• How to properly use all their Personal Protection Equipment (PPE)
• To use handrails when available
• To immediately report any hazards or potential dangers

In addition, companies must ensure proper lighting and warning signs are always present to alert workers of potential hazards.

Struck by a load or overhead equipment

The consequences can be dangerous when a load or overhead equipment hits a worker. The massive machinery and heavy equipment used in drilling operations can pose serious hazards if safety measures are neglected.

Whether a drill pipe drops unexpectedly or falling pipes hit a worker, the results of being struck can be catastrophic. Broken bones, amputations, impalement, dislocations, sprains, and paralysis are just some of the devastating injuries that workers may suffer.

To prevent such accidents from occurring, proper training and adherence to safety procedures are crucial. Companies must enforce rigorous training programs to educate workers about appropriate latching techniques, handling loads safely, and so on. Additionally, companies must ensure that their employees are attentive and aware of their surroundings during operations.

Caught in equipment

Injuries can happen when workers become caught in the tools or machinery. When this happens, it is a terrifying situation that can result in serious injuries or even fatalities.

One tragic scenario is when a worker’s clothing, hair, or body part gets caught in rotating machinery such as drill pipes or other moving parts. The force of the equipment can quickly pull someone into its path, causing severe harm.

Another example is getting trapped between two pieces of heavy equipment or against a fixed structure on the rig, which can occur when proper safety measures are not followed. Being caught in equipment is a nightmare for any worker. Thus, companies must prioritize safety protocols and provide thorough training.

Workers caught in equipment deserve immediate medical attention and legal support when seeking compensation for their losses.