As Oil Production Increases, So Do Oil Rig Injuries
The good news is that the number of oil rigs operating in the U.S. recently rose to an 18-year high. The bad news is that as oil production increases, so do injuries to those who work on oil rigs.

April 24, 2010 /24-7PressRelease/ -- As Oil Production Increases, So Do Oil Rig Injuries

There is good news and bad news in the oil production business as the country shows signs of climbing out of its recession. The good news is that the number of oil rigs operating in the United States recently rose to an 18-year high. The bad news is that as oil production increases, so do injuries to those who work on oil rigs.

Pumping Up Production

Offshore rigs are especially dangerous to workers. When production is ramped up, it is often done with an influx of newcomers who are young and inexperienced, and at least in some cases, not fluent in English.

Workers may be pushed beyond their limits by employers eager to meet increasing production goals. It is not unheard of for supervisors to demand that workers put in 12-hour shifts for 14 days in a row.

As gasoline prices rise, as they have been doing across the country, workplace production pressure increases and safety lapses become more common. Government watchdogs, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), often arrive on the scene only after a workplace accident causing a serious injury or fatality has taken place.

Myriad Maritime Dangers

Offshore rigs and other offshore structures present an array of dangers to workers who are on the oil rigs, or moving between the rigs and other structures:
- Fire or chemical burns and injuries
- Chemical explosions or other violent reactions from chemicals improperly mixed or stored
- Inhalation of hazardous materials
- Exertion strains and sprains
- Slips, falls and trips
- Being struck by equipment
- Inadequate safety equipment
- Improperly maintained or inadequate drilling, loading or shipping equipment or vessels
- Mistakes, wrongdoing or negligence by inexperienced or untrained fellow workers

Increased production means an increase in the number of workers on jack-up rigs, tankers, drill ships, semi-submersible drilling rigs, crewboats and supply boats.

How the Law Protects Injured Maritime Workers

A number of injured maritime workers can file claims for compensation for medical costs, lost wages and other damages under the federal Jones Act. Others injured in workplace accidents on offshore oil rigs, tugboats, towboats, supply vessels and crew vessels are eligible to make legal claims under other provisions of maritime law. Survivors of a worker killed offshore may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim that can compensate the family for loss of income and other damages.

Legal experts remind injured maritime workers that compensation claims must be filed in a timely manner. Statutes of limitations apply to both claims for offshore injuries and the death of a loved one.

If you or a member of your family has been injured on a Gulf Coast oil rig or other offshore structure, or on a supply boat, crewboat, tugboat, tanker, towboat or other vessel servicing or transporting employees or equipment, contact a Texas maritime and admiralty law personal injury attorney.

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