Injured at Work: What Are the 4 Most Common Types of Oil Rig Injuries?

While there are many dangerous job industries, there are some that are more treacherous than others. Working in an oil rig is a lucrative source of employment, but it is also a dangerous one. There are many types of injuries that occur because of oil rig work. When someone is injured on the job in the oil industry, they need to be aware of their rights and how to pursue the worker’s compensation benefits they are owed.

Why Is an Oil Rig So Dangerous?

There are many reasons why an injury on an oil rig is so commonplace. The average employee shift is around twelve hours and the demands are great. In addition to working with combustible materials their entire shift, there is also heavy equipment. Although rare, catastrophic events can occur on oil rigs, leading to explosions, great injuries, and even death.

4 Common Types of Oil Rig Injuries

There are multiple types of oil rig injuries that can occur. The risks of oil rig injury are astounding, even though there are plenty of safety rules and regulations, along with protective equipment. There are four very common types of injuries that occur on oil rigs and they include the following.

1. Transportation accidents are the most common type of accident among oil rig employees. According to the CDC, transportation accidents were the number one type of accident from 2003-2013. Helicopter accidents were the most common type during this period.

2. Falling objects are another source of injury, leading to crushing injuries. Broken bones occur when heavy objects fall on the limbs, leading to catastrophic damage. When contact with objects leads to serious injuries, injured workers must file an injury report to protect their rights and receive the benefits they deserve.

3. Fires and explosions also cause many injuries on oil rigs. The combustible materials oil rig workers handle daily can be deadly. Without proper training, these materials can be handled irresponsibly, leading to serious injuries and even death. Fires and explosions can lead to serious burns, blindness, hearing loss, and more.

4. Exposure to harmful chemicals can lead to serious injuries. Workers encounter solvents, crude oil, production chemicals, and drilling fluids. Exposure to these harmful chemicals can cause chemical burns, respiratory conditions, rashes, and even asphyxiation.

What Should Injured Workers Do?

When someone is injured on the job, they need to report their injury to their employer as soon as possible. Failure to report an injury could result in delays and even a denial of worker’s compensation benefits. While it is not required, many injured workers find it beneficial to hire a lawyer to help them in their pursuit of benefits.

Conclusion

Oil rigs are dangerous workplaces and can lead to serious injuries that negatively impact a person for the rest of their life. From crush injuries to burns, there are many types of injuries that can occur on oil rigs. While accidents can sometimes be avoided with the careful practice of safety protocol, injuries are sometimes unavoidable.

When injuries arise, seeking a workplace injury lawyer may be advised. Worker’s compensation laws were put into place to protect injured workers and provide them with the wage replacement and health care coverage they deserve. A lawyer will guide their clients through the process of seeking fair compensation. Lawyers protect the rights of their client.