Oil rig work is known for being high-risk, as fatal accidents are not uncommon in this industry. While there are numerous hazards on both offshore and onshore rigs, falls remain the leading cause of death amongst oil rig workers. In fact, despite safety protocols and protective gear, fall accidents continue to take more lives than any other type of incident. Equipment accidents, explosions, and transportation crashes all contribute to the big picture of risks involved.
When tragedies occur, surviving loved ones have the option to turn to our St. Louis, MO longhorn lawyer for help with recovering wrongful death damages.
Leading Causes Of Oil Rig Fatalities
Falls From Heights
Falls from heights are the most frequent and deadly accidents on oil rigs, according to the CDC. Even when oil rig death numbers are down, the number of fall fatalities remain consistently high. Workers often need to climb ladders, operate on elevated platforms, and/or perform maintenance on derricks and other tall structures. Even with fall protection equipment, accidents can still happen when this gear fails, when surfaces are slippery for any reason, or when safety steps get overlooked while workers are under pressure.
Fires And Explosions
The oil and gas industry deals with flammable substances every day, which makes explosions and fires an ongoing possibility. Blowouts and ruptures have historically caused some of the deadliest accidents in the field. A single spark near a pressurized pipe or tank can set off a chain reaction. While technology and safety standards continue to improve, fire-related deaths still occur, and when they do, they often take multiple lives at once.
Transportation Accidents
Oil rig workers may need to travel long distances to reach their job sites. Sometimes the journey involves helicopters, boats, or trucks, so transportation crashes are also part of the conversation when it comes to worker deaths. While these events may not happen directly on the job site, they’re still closely tied to the job itself.
Human Factors And Difficult Conditions
Fatigue, extreme weather, and demanding work conditions all are worth mentioning as contributors to fatal oil rig accidents. This industry is known for its demanding nature and hard-working employees. Workers often face long shifts in difficult environments, which can increase the chance of human error. Slick surfaces paired with strong winds or exhaustion can turn even the most routine tasks into life-threatening situations.
What To Do If There’s An Accident
While falls may be the leading cause of oil rig tragedies, they’re still one part of a wider set of risks that make this essential line of work more dangerous than most. Knowing where the greatest dangers lie is part of being a safe and productive oil rig worker, and it can help families understand the reality of these jobs and why safety standards are so important.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in an accident, it’s important to recover what you need to move forward from it. Don’t hesitate to reach out to an attorney in your area who can handle the legalities on your behalf so you can focus on healing.
At Goldstein and Price, L.C., we know the toll these accidents take on families and communities. If you’ve lost a loved one in a longshore accident, we are here to listen and provide support. Contact us today to learn how we can help.