What is Being Done to Ensure Safety for Offshore Gulf Coast Rig Workers?

While offshore drilling and mining provide many jobs for Louisiana seamen and precious natural resources for the country, it is no secret that those employed on offshore Gulf Coast rigs are at risk for injury. The question is: how are these workers protected?

The following types of accidents represent the top four causes of injury and property damage, from most common to least:

• Fires 
• Collisions
• Explosions
• Loss of Well Control

It is also important to note that long-term exposure to chemicals on rigs can cause lasting health issues in workers.

So, Who is Looking Out for You?
The Mineral Management Service (MMS), a division of the US Department of the Interior, is responsible for overseeing the safety of offshore workers. Here is a partial list of what they do:

• Require employers to report all injuries and fatalities;
• Study the report results and use them to determine safety concerns, then share these with employers, with the understanding that they will work to improve safety;
• Make maintenance of older facilities a safety priority;
• Require testing for dangerous chemicals.

Despite these precautions, each year about 50 offshore workers suffer serious injuries and an average of ten lose their lives in offshore accidents.

If you or a loved one has been injured working for an offshore company, we can help. At The Young Firm we pride ourselves on our proven record in fighting for injured maritime workers. Be sure to read our FREE online book, "The Employee's Guide to Maritime Injury Law" and call us toll free at: (866) 938-6113.