The Physical Nature of Offshore Oil Rig Jobs

Oil rig jobs have a reputation for being well-paid positions, as well as coming with serious risks and much hard work. Between long hours and harsh manual labor, workers often find themselves in roles that push them to their physical limits.

Many crewmembers and workers on oil rigs are assigned to two weeks on, three weeks off or "14/21" shifts. This means that they work for 14 days straight and are then given 21 days off. Those 14 days include long, tiring hours and since the rig is operating 24 hours each day, night shifts.

Offshore oil rig work often includes backbreaking labor and dirty tasks, leaving workers exhausted at the end of a long day. With a variety of crew members, workers fulfill every role that keeps the rig running, from drillers to engineers and from medics to supervisors.

The grueling hours and years of heavy lifting can lead to long-term health problems, but workers also face the possibility of serious injury from accidents.

Oil Rig Workers Face the Possibility of Many Injuries, Such As:

• Burns
• Broken bones
• Exposure to hazardous fumes
• Falling from a height
• Drowning
• Muscle strain due to repetitive motion
• Back injuries
• Electrocution
• Head and brain injuries
• Amputations

Workers are required to undergo specific safety training and are equipped with several pieces of gear that protect them from a range of situations to combat the potential hazards of the job. Gloves, goggles, boots, hard hats, and coveralls keep most of the danger at bay, as long as they are used correctly. Training includes methods to prevent disasters, as well as how to react should they occur. Crew members should be comprehensively trained on important scenarios including how to respond to a fire on the rig and how to shut off heavy machinery in an emergency.

It is also crucial that crew members maintain their health in light of the physically demanding labor, including immediately reporting to the rig medic if they feel ill in any way. The hard work and long hours on board offshore oil rigs suit many workers, and a tempting paycheck keeps them coming back.

If an oil rig worker is injured while working, the extent of the injury and the demanding nature of the job can prevent the worker from returning to work temporarily or, in some cases, permanently. That is why it is essential for injured rig workers to consult with an experienced work injury attorney. In addition to receiving compensation for medical bills, injured workers can be compensated for lost past and future wages. If you have been injured on the rig, contact our attorneys today to learn about your legal options.