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Posted & Reviewed by Joshua Lee - Oct 29th 2024
Working offshore can certainly come with some big rewards: Money, excitement, challenges, and more. But it also comes with risks, big risks. Whether you are stationed on an oil rig, a cargo vessel, an offshore construction platform, or something else altogether, one thing is for sure: The environment is unpredictable. The fact is, heavy machinery, volatile weather, long shifts, and remote locations leave very little room for error.
When something goes wrong, it can go really wrong really fast.
In 2022 alone, the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) reported 199 offshore injuries and one fatality; a stark reminder that even experienced crews are vulnerable.
The good news is that most accidents are preventable. When companies and crews follow oil rig safety best practices, when workers stay alert, the odds shift in everyone’s favor. Because out there on the open seas, small mistakes do not just add up . . . they can explode.
So, obviously, it behooves everyone to maintain as safe an offshore environment as possible, and doing so is a shared responsibility. You and your team can reduce the risk of serious injuries by following the following oil rig safety tips. And if an accident does occur, legal guidance from a Houston offshore accident lawyer like Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP can help protect your rights and secure the compensation you may be owed.
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Oil rigs are high-risk environments. From elevated platforms and confined spaces to operating drilling equipment under extreme conditions, everything must function as intended, and everyone must follow safety procedures closely. Yet, even so, even when protocols are followed, the hazards are many, including potential mechanical failure and faulty equipment, not to mention human factors like fatigue, miscommunication, misunderstanding, and poor training.
As such, many offshore oil rig accidents occur not because of a single major mistake, but due to a combination of hazards. A frayed cable left unrepaired, a safety protocol skipped, or a too-rushed decision, all can have life-altering consequences. But that is exactly what can happen when employers prioritize profits or speed over safety, or when they fail to train workers properly.
In those types of situations, the risks rise sharply, and that is when accidents are most likely to occur.
The most common types of offshore injuries stem from preventable situations. Falls from derricks, scaffolding, or cranes are among the most frequent, especially when fall protection is missing or misused. Blowouts and fires, while less common, can be catastrophic. Equipment malfunctions, such as failed valves or ruptured hoses, can result in crush injuries, amputations, or fatalities in seconds.
Or what about this? On a rig, decks are often wet from rain, seawater, and spilled fluids. Combine that with poor lighting or loose cables, and the chances of a slip and fall greatly increase. By the same token, exposed electrical systems or frayed cords can pose constant fire and shock risks, especially when inspections are skipped or repairs are delayed.
Ultimately, most of these accidents are not freak occurrences. They are the result of predictable, preventable breakdowns in safety.
These tips can keep everyone safe.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is the first and most important line of defense for offshore workers. Helmets, gloves, steel-toe boots, flame-resistant clothing, and fall arrest systems are not optional because they save lives. They can save your life. The gear needs to fit properly, be in good condition, and be worn consistently, not just when it is convenient.
The type of PPE you need depends on the job. If you are near welding operations or open flames for example, a flame-resistant suit is necessary. If you are working high up, you should have a properly secured fall arrest harness. By the same token, eye protection, hearing protection, and respirators all may be needed, depending on the task.
Offshore work is too unpredictable, and too unforgiving, to rely on guesswork or gut feelings when it comes to safety equipment.
Given all of that, you should never cut corners when it comes to gear. If something does not fit or seems worn out, replace it immediately. Spending a few extra minutes ensuring your safety gear is on properly is better than risking an injury that could have been prevented. Your life can depend on whether your helmet or gloves can withstand the tough offshore conditions.
On offshore rigs, clear communication is essential because it can save lives. And yet, with loud machinery and rough conditions, verbal instructions can be lost. Here are a few solutions:
A strong safety culture is built together. Workers should be encouraged to speak up and report issues and near misses. They should be able to interrupt unsafe operations without fear of retaliation. Open communication should be seen as a friend, not the enemy.
When employers support this kind of culture, accidents go down and morale goes up.
An organized workspace is a safer workspace. Clutter, tools left lying around, or spills that go uncleaned really are accidents waiting to happen. And no matter where you are on the oil rig – be it the engine room or on a catwalk or wherever – maintaining clear walkways and clean surfaces can prevent serious, even life-threatening, injuries.
Cleanliness should also include,
These small habits both reduce the risk of slip and falls and also can protect workers from exposure to harmful substances.
Needless to say, offshore operations rely on complex machinery, and even minor defects can trigger major disasters. That is why oil rigs must have strict maintenance schedules. This should include maintenance of everything from engines and cranes to valves, hoses, control panels, and safety systems. The fact is, all equipment should be inspected and maintained regularly, and any issue should be documented and addressed.
For example, regular oil changes on engines can prevent overheating, while checking cables and connections on electrical equipment can help avoid fires or electrical shocks. Small, routine inspections can make all the difference when dealing with heavy equipment operating under intense conditions.
Workers should also receive training on properly using and maintaining the equipment to prevent misuse or overloading, which also can lead to failure.
Finally, warning signals like odd noises, overheating, or leaks cannot be ignored. Small failures typically precede bigger problems.
Rules are in place for a reason. Following safety protocols, whether it’s wearing PPE, adhering to lockout/tagout procedures, or following ladder safety, can prevent injuries and save lives. Rules should be enforced consistently – no exceptions.
And yet, for oil rig safety, having policies is not enough; they must be followed. Supervisors need to model good behavior, correct violations, and make it clear that cutting corners is unacceptable. Additionally, the rules must apply equally to everyone, no matter how experienced or senior the crew member. Inconsistent enforcement can create confusion, and confusion usually leads to accidents.
Regular review of protocols should also be required since, for instance, offshore work changes constantly, and new risks can emerge. As such, ongoing safety meetings and refreshers can help crews stay sharp and avoid complacency. A company that takes enforcement seriously is a company that protects its people.
Offshore projects often involve multiple contractors and subcontractors working side by side. It’s vital that everyone on the site, including subcontractors, understands and follows the same safety protocols. Don’t assume subcontractors will automatically know your procedures, they won’t. They must be trained and held to the same standards as your crew.
Before work begins therefore, subcontractors should receive thorough training, full site orientations, emergency plans, and hazard awareness briefings. A lack of training is not just a business risk, it is also a legal one. If a subcontractor causes an accident due to lack of instruction, liability can attach.
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Despite best efforts, accidents do happen. And when they do, an effective emergency response plan can make all the difference between a close call and a catastrophe. Every offshore site must therefore have clearly posted evacuation routes, emergency shutdown procedures, and easily accessible firefighting and lifesaving equipment.
Drills for fire, for blowouts, for man overboard incidents, as well as toxic leaks should be conducted regularly. All crew members should know who the first aid responders are and where the muster stations are located. They also need to know how to communicate with the bridge or mainland in an emergency.
Time is, of course, critical during emergencies, and every second counts. If crewmembers know exactly what to do, they’ll be able to act quickly and avoid panicking. Different types of emergency scenarios can ensure that everyone is prepared for whatever the situation. Whether it’s a medical emergency or an equipment failure, a quick, efficient response by a well-trained crew can limit the extent of the damage and keep people safe.
There is no doubt that working on an offshore oil rig is dangerous. According to OSHA’s severe injury reporting system for the Oil and Gas Extraction industry, from 2015 – 2022, there were some 2,101 severe injuries reported (amputation, hospitalization, loss of eye, etc.)
So, yes, injuries do occur, and often they are caused by the actions or inactions of employers. Poor training, faulty equipment, sub-standard maintenance can all lead to severe injuries. When that happens, you have options. If, for example, you are classified as a “seaman” (which includes many offshore rig workers), the Jones Act allows you to sue your employer for negligence.
Under the Jones Act, failure to provide a safe work environment, inadequate training, or defective equipment can create legal liability. Jones Act claims can cover medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more.
And that is important because when an offshore injury does occur, workers face more than just pain and recovery, they may also face lost wages, complex claims, and aggressive defense teams. Fortunately, an offshore injury lawyer can help you navigate this legal thicket and hold the responsible parties accountable. That’s what we do.
If you’ve suffered an injury in an offshore accident, don’t wait. Reach out to an offshore accident lawyer with Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP who can help you protect your rights and get the compensation you need to recover from your injuries. The sooner you act, the better your chances of achieving a successful outcome.
Please schedule a free consultation by contacting us online or giving us a call at 832-402-6637.
Joshua Lee believes in aggressive, tough advocacy and a client-centered approach to every case. Joshua draws from a wide body of experiences and a robust understanding of the law. Joshua graduated from the New York University School of Law in New York City, which is considered among the best law schools in the world. Our lawyers have 25+ years of combined experience.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of lawyers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. Our lawyers have more than 20 years of legal experience as personal injury attorneys.
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