Energy Partners will call your crushed leg a “first aid” problem

Energy Partners is a New Orleans based company and one of the major offshore oil firms operating in the Gulf of Mexico.

It also has unique criteria for what constitutes a serious injury.

Six-and-a-half years ago, Garold Bates, a contractor for the company, had his leg crushed in rough seas between a supply boat and the platform while offloading supplies in the Gulf.

Even though he needed emergency medical treatment and therapy, Energy Partners did not report his injury to the Minerals Management Service (MMS) as required because the company said that it was initially classified as a “first aid” problem.

What is Energy Partners definition of the word "initially?" Does it mean "not bleeding to death?" Does it mean "expected to survive for the next five minutes?"

The Washington Post details this incident in an article about the highly dangerous world of the offshore worker.

If you are hurt out in the Gulf or anywhere on the water and you feel your injuries are not being reported as required, contact an experienced offshore firm at once.