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According to a 2010 Washington Post article, stressful working conditions, including little sleep, inadequate instruction and poor training, all combine to make the offshore worker's job more dangerous than it should be.
Offshore injuries are caused by many factors, but some of the most common include:
Consider the statistics. In a 2008 Center for Disease Control report, the death rate of workers in the oil and gas industry was "approximately seven times the rate for all workers" from 2003 - 2006. The report adds that fatal accidents often involved machinery and overexertion. The Bureau of Ocean Energy (BOE) reported 1,298 accidents and 30 deaths on Gulf rigs and platforms from 2006 - 2009. And many say that the actual number is higher, as many accidents are not reported.
The Washington Post tells the story of a crew of welders who were shipped to an oilrig off the Galveston coast. They arrived at midnight after a ten-hour boat ride. Then, after only a few hours of sleep, they were awakened to go to work. According to a later investigation, a 5:00 a.m. safety and planning meeting was held, but none of the workers were present.
Only two hours later, after one of the welders reported that the cutting they were doing was unsafe, a co-worker fell to his death to a deck 50 feet below and then into the ocean. By 10:00 a.m. that worker was declared dead.
Yes, offshore work is dangerous. So what should an injured Louisiana or Texas worker do? First, be sure you get immediate medical attention. Then be sure you get immediate legal advice. Why? Because the chances you may be covered by the Jones Act are very good, and if you aren't, you need to know your options.
The Louisiana maritime attorneys at The Young Firm have over 50 years of experience dealing with injuries at sea. They care about you, the worker, and specialize in Jones Act and all maritime cases. Call them today toll free at (866) 938-6113 for a free consultation about your offshore injury.
