Offshore oil rigs are dangerous environments for workers. Employees at offshore oil rigs face numerous safety risks that can cause devastating injuries. In fact, The United States Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE) reported 428 offshore oil rig injuries in 2017.
The following are the most common causes of offshore oil rig accidents:
- Difficulty Lifting Heavy Objects: 126 out of the 428 accidents in 2017
- Fires & Explosions: 73 accidents in 2017
- Evacuations & Inspection Gatherings: 53 accidents in 2017
- Exposure to Gas: 16 accidents in 2017
- Collisions: 11 accidents in 2017
- Loss of Well Control: 2 accidents in 2017
The injuries sustained in the accidents listed above can be catastrophic. Unfortunately, many of the accidents reported last year could have been prevented if workers and employers took the proper precautions.
Common offshore oil rig injuries include:
- Back Injuries: Heavy lifting was the most common cause of back injuries among oil rig workers.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries: Many traumatic brain injuries suffered by oil rig workers were the result of being struck by a falling object. This is why it is so important for oil rig workers to wear proper safety gear.
- Foot Injuries: Broken bones and burns can result if a worker encounters a safety hazard without wearing the proper footwear. Foot injures on oil rigs are often the result of slips, trips, and falls.
- Hand Injuries: Oil rig workers must use hot and sharp objects to perform various tasks. Workers can sustain cuts and burns if they do not wear gloves when using hot or sharp objects.
- Eye Injuries: Oil rig workers frequently encounter chemicals and airborne debris that can severely damage their vision if they do not wear protective eyewear. Crude oil, solvents, drilling fluids, and production chemicals can all cause serious eye injuries.
Get Legal Help Today
Have you suffered a serious oil rig accident injury? If so, you should get in touch with our team in San Antonio to discuss your legal options. We have the experience you need to tackle your claim and protect your interests. Oil rig workers who suffer serious work-related injuries can be reimbursed for their damages through workers’ compensation benefits. Damages include medical bills and lost wages from missed work. However, workers’ compensation doesn’t always cover the total cost of a worker’s injury expenses. Let our skilled legal team help you obtain the compensation you deserve.
Contact The Law Office of George P. Escobedo & Associates, PLLC to schedule a free case evaluation with a San Antonio workers’ compensation lawyer.