Oil RIg Workers Have Worst Jobs in America, According to Study

Forbes magazine has rated oil rig and gas pipeline work as one of the worst jobs in America for 2010.  This rating was based on a study by CareerCast and took into account five criteria – the pay, work environment, stress, physical demands and hiring outlook.

Offshore oil rig workers in the Gulf Coast and around the world have demanding jobs, that often take up nearly 12 hours of their day or more.  They have to contend with heavy equipment, slippery decks and performing work on multiple platforms.  The work environment on an offshore work is rigorous and there is a lot of pressure to produce.  Safety is not always the priority.

There are many dangers faced by oil rig workers, which can lead to major offshore accidents.   Some of these potential hazards include:

• Slip and falls
• Falls from significant heights
• Explosions
• Machinery malfunctions
• Falling objects
• Explosions
• Fires
• Chemical exposure
  

An offshore oil rig accident tends to result in serious injuries, such as brain injury, spinal cord injury, broken bones, skull fractures, amputations, burns and death.  If you have been hurt on an offshore oil rig, you could be entitled to compensation. There are different options available depending on your circumstance.  For example, you could qualify for protection under the Jones Act.

For more information, contact a maritime attorney from our office at 713.224.7800 or 877.724.7800.  We will be able to explain your rights and ability to collect compensation for your offshore injuries.