The Risks Associated With Working on an Oil Rig
For many individuals, working on offshore oil rigs may be an exciting prospect, particularly because the jobs often come with good pay and a great deal of travel. However, potential oil rig workers should be aware of the dangers that go along with the travel and pay. This type of work tends to be quite stressful and physically demanding. In fact, the conditions on an oil rig are typically dangerous, and for those individuals who are attracted to the jobs because they provide opportunities for those who do not have experience, it is crucial for them to consider their ability to work under such trying circumstances.
To learn more about your rights under the law if you get hurt, should contact an offshore injury lawyer at Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. today to discuss the details. Get the facts before you start.
What Is Expected of an Offshore Oil Rig Worker?
Depending on the type of job an individual is doing, he or she can expect to work some tough 12-hour shifts each day. Most companies do rotate shifts, but it is important to note that many crews remain onsite for at least two weeks before being given two weeks off. These long hours are not preferable for some, especially entry-level workers who may not be used to such physically taxing work.
There are a variety of jobs that can be done as an offshore oil rig worker, many of which can lead to serious injury or even death. For individuals with less experience, they may search for work as a roughneck or a roustabout.
Roughnecks are typically laborers who usually work on the deck moving supplies and equipment, as well as cleaning the equipment and the work areas of the rig. Roustabouts usually take part in the drilling operations. They tend to be the ones who move portions of the drill pipe and clean spills.
People with more experience usually work in positions such as shift supervisors and crane operators, and such individual may have even sought to learn more by taking specialized training courses and becoming certified in certain fields.
The Possible Dangers
For sure, offshore oil rig jobs come with very distinct challenges. One such challenge that some people may not consider is the weather. For those who are working in the southwestern portion of the U.S. in the summer, the temperatures can be painfully high. Similarly, those working in the fields in Canada can face winter months that are extremely cold. Make no mistake—oil rig workers, regardless of whether they are near land or not, are at the mercy of the elements.
It should be noted that those contents are under extreme amounts of pressure. Highly combustible gases are being used in daily operations, and although disasters are fairly rare, when they do happen, they often kill a large number of individuals. Injuries are also common to offshore oil rig workers, particularly due to the risk of workers falling, as well as the possible injuries stemming from dangerous machinery and falling tools.
Our Law Firm Can Assist After an Injury
If you have been injured, or you have lost a loved one due to an oil rig disaster, contact an attorneyt at Lipcon, Margulies & Winkleman, P.A. right away to discuss how we may be able to assist you with your case.
