Maritime News

Danger! Gulf of Mexico Workers at Risk Before and After Hurricanes

Posted on Sep 11, 2011

Hurricane season brings even more danger than usual to Gulf of Mexico maritime workers. And since the devastation of Katrina, hurricane preparedness and safety are foremost on oilrig and gas workers' minds. As tropical storm Lee approached the Gulf in September 2011, the National Hurricane Center advised evacuations of both oil and gas workers from 16 oilrigs and 169 platforms.

While these evacuations may cost the production companies money, it is hoped that getting offshore workers to safety early will save lives. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (BOEMRE) estimates that about 33% of production of natural gas and almost 50% of current production of oil was "shut in" before Lee arrived.

BOEMRE officials plan to inspect the offshore facilities after the storm has passed. Any undamaged facilities will be operating again right away. Damaged ones will remain closed until repairs are made. Workers making these repairs face perhaps even more risk than from the storm itself as divers, mechanics and many others rush to bring production back on line. For example, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita caused major damages in the oil industry. Rigs were set adrift, production platforms were toppled and pipelines ruptured.

It may well be that hurricane damage is unavoidable in the face of a powerful tropical storm or hurricane. But worker injuries are avoidable. OSHA and BOEMRE both provide guidelines for preparing for and recovering from storm damage.

If you are an offshore worker and have been injured in hurricane-related work, the Jones Act offers powerful rights, including the right to sue your employer for negligence. You need experience and expertise to help you get full compensation. Contact The Young Firm in New Orleans right away at (866) 938-6113 for a consultation. We know maritime law and deliver results to our clients.