A range of common injuries is frequently a risk for offshore workers. Traumatic brain damage, limb loss, and paralysis are all possible outcomes of these events. Fractures and amputations are only two examples of the short- and long-term effects orthopedic injuries can have. Crush injuries are also common among offshore workers, resulting in a worker being crushed beneath a heavy object.
Slip and fall accidents
If you’ve been hurt on an offshore rig, you may have questions about how to pursue your claim. Fortunately, there are several laws in place to protect offshore workers. You can check https://naylorlaw.com to know the laws that will protect offshore workers. The federal Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA) provides compensation for occupational injuries and diseases and survivor benefits. Under this law, workers who have been injured offshore can file a claim for compensation through their employer or a self-insured company.
Offshore workers risk slip and fall accidents if they are not properly protected. Bruised bones and twisted joints are common injuries that result from falls. However, in rare cases, a person may be thrown off a platform, resulting in serious injuries like drowning or brain damage due to lack of oxygen.
Explosions
Explosions are common on offshore oil and gas rigs. Offshore workers may be entitled to compensation for their injuries under a workers’ compensation claim or may file a personal injury claim against the responsible party. Explosions can also happen because of environmental conditions or faulty equipment. Workers may be exposed to toxic chemicals, causing burns, rashes, and respiratory problems.
Oil and gas extraction workers are particularly at risk of fatal accidents. The number of fatalities in the industry is more than five times higher than the national average. However, the reported number of offshore worker fatalities is likely higher than the actual number. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 663 oil field worker fatalities in the United States between 2007 and 2012. Forty percent of these were in Texas.
Burns
Burns are among the most common injuries experienced by offshore workers. They can be caused by chemicals, radiation, friction, heat, and electricity. In severe cases, burn victims can be paralyzed, require years of physical therapy, or even require amputation. As a result, burn victims are frequently out of work for months or even years.
The harsh environment and large equipment can cause serious burns. Injuries often occur when workers do not follow safety procedures or miscommunicate while operating heavy equipment. In addition, chemical burns are caused by chemicals used in the galley and engine room and can cause permanent damage to the body. Burns can also occur onshore due to tight workspaces, toxic fumes, and low oxygen levels.
Head trauma
Offshore workers are at risk for many injuries, including head trauma. Head injuries can be caused by various factors, including falling objects, slips and falls, and collisions with moving cargo. Defective equipment may also be to blame. These injuries are usually preventable, but they can have devastating consequences.
Offshore workers must be vigilant about safety while on board, and falls can be fatal. Water and chemicals used onboard can cause slippery surfaces, leading to falls. These falls can result in serious injuries, such as fractured bones or spinal cord damage. Offshore workers must wear safety shoes with good grip and take special care when walking on wet surfaces. Other common injuries include back injuries. Heavy lifting combined with hard labor can result in neck and back pain.
Back injuries
Back injuries are common in offshore environments, especially for workers performing manual handling tasks. These workers often have to lift heavy objects repeatedly without rest. These injuries can lead to chronic pain, which limits their activity levels and may require surgery or other forms of treatment. They can also contribute to mental health issues and even substance abuse.
Workers must follow strict safety procedures to avoid back injuries. They must also wear appropriate safety gear. A worker who has sustained a back injury due to their employer’s negligence may be entitled to compensation for damages caused by the injury.
Drowning
Offshore workers are exposed to hazardous environments, and the risk of drowning is very real. Proper safety gear is essential to protect offshore workers from this danger. Drowning occurs when workers cannot free themselves from a confined space. Therefore, a good emergency plan should be in place, and workers should know how to evacuate if necessary. Other risks include chemical inhalation and suffocation. These conditions can be fatal and can result in permanent damage to a worker’s body.
Offshore workers are exposed to hazardous conditions, such as water and chemicals used in drilling operations. These substances can cause a slippery surface, and falls can result in fractures and spinal cord damage. This is why offshore workers must wear safety shoes with good grip and exercise caution when walking on wet surfaces. Lifting injuries are also common and can result from improper lifting techniques. Therefore, workers should be trained in proper lifting techniques to avoid injury.
