Working in the oil and gas sector comes with significant risk. Offshore professionals in all industries have a higher chance of dying on the job than many other professionals who work solely on land.
Most professionals involved in oil and gas extraction are also at elevated risk of injury or death on the job because of the many hazards present at job sites. Those working in oil and gas extraction on offshore oil rigs are at especially high risk.
When looking at recent statistics regarding fatalities in the oil and gas industry and similar fields, certain trends stand out. Many oil and gas worker injuries in offshore locations are attributed to one or more of the three hazards below.
1. Machinery and equipment
Working with heavy machinery is a hazard, as accidental contact can lead to devastating injuries. Equipment malfunctions and mistakes by coworkers can also lead to serious injuries for oil and gas professionals.
2. Chemical and environmental exposure
Working in an offshore environment is hazardous. Long hours spent exposed to the elements can put workers at risk of illness and injury. The chemicals that are present in an oil and gas environment also contribute to the risk of illness or injury. Physical contact with chemicals can cause chemical burns, while environmental exposure could cause illness.
3. Transportation incidents
Getting to and from an offshore work location is hazardous in its own right. Many of the worst incidents involving offshore oil and gas professionals relate to the boats, planes or helicopters transporting them to and from work.
Maritime professionals hurt on the job have a more complicated process ahead when pursuing compensation than those who don’t work in the maritime industry. Learning more about legal protections for offshore workers and job hazards can help workers avoid injury and respond appropriately if they do get hurt.