Working on an oil rig is no one’s idea of an easy job. Whether you are new to the position or have been in this industry for years, you understand that dangers are everywhere and that you always need to pay attention to your surroundings. Even on a good day, an accident could be lurking around the corner.
Though you undoubtedly hope that you will never suffer injuries on the job, it could happen to anyone. As a result, you want to remain aware of the hazards that you face when you report for your work-related duties every day.
Watch out for these dangers
If you are new to oil rig work, you may face a higher risk of suffering injuries on the job simply due to your lack of experience. However, even the most cautious worker could end up involved in an unexpected accident that leads to injuries. Still, it can be helpful to remember that the following dangers could negatively affect you:
Fatigue: You may not think that going to work a little tired would be an issue, but fatigue means that you have slower reaction times and increases the chances of an accident.
Fire: Oil and other chemicals associated with your line of work are combustible materials, and if a fire breaks out on an oil rig, serious or fatal injuries could occur.
Machinery: An oil rig often contains various machinery, and if something malfunctions or if someone is not well trained in using a certain piece of equipment, an accident could take place.
Falls: Oil rigs often have people working at height, and if you trip or slip, you could have a same-level fall or fall several feet below and suffer injuries.
Falling tools: Because people work on different levels on oil rigs, it is possible that a dropped or knocked tool could fall on a worker below. Being struck by a falling tool or another object could lead to fatal injuries.
If you do suffer serious injuries on a Louisiana oil rig from these or other hazards, your life could change forever. It is important that you understand your options for pursuing workers’ compensation after an injury-causing work accident. Because it may be difficult for you to handle paperwork while also focusing on your recovery, you may want to enlist the help of an attorney experienced in this area of law.
