Individuals who work on an oil rig may sustain a wide variety of injuries. TDI’s Division of Workers’ Compensation reports that in 2017 more than half of the injuries sustained by those that work in oil and gas extraction jobs were fractured bones and soft tissue damage, such as sprains, strains, and tears. However, oil rig injuries, especially if an explosion takes place, have the potential to be much more severe and even fatal. Workers might suffer from amputations, burns, head injuries, spinal cord injuries, back injuries, and more. Here are some of the most common scenarios that may lead to an injury on an oil rig:
Equipment malfunction. Equipment that hasn’t been inspected or maintained properly can fail and injure workers. Other equipment might spark and cause a fire or explosion around flammable gas or oil and result in serious burns.
Unintentional falls. Working on an oil rig involves significant risk. Working on the stabbing board is especially dangerous; when workers fall, they may strike numerous objects on their way down, resulting in broken bones, back and neck injuries, concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and more.
Falling objects. Members of the deck crew might experience impact from falling objects, such as tools or debris from an explosion. Getting struck by a falling object is often fatal, but those who survive might end up with brain injuries, amputations, cuts, and broken bones.
Exposure to toxic substances. The equipment and machinery on an oil rig contain acids and toxic chemicals that are dangerous, particularly if a worker is exposed to them for long periods of time. Prolonged exposure to these substances might cause respiratory issues, brain damage, and other health issues.