According to a story recently published by Forbes magazine, oil rig and gas pipeline workers have the worst job in America for 2010.
The survey, which was conducted by CareerCast, based its decision on five criteria:
1. Stress
2. Physical demands
3. Work environment
4. Pay
5. Hiring outlook
Job titles held by oil rig and gas pipeline workers include driller, roughneck, roustabout and toolpusher.
There is no question that the work of gas pipeline and oil rig workers is extremely physically demanding. It is not uncommon for these workers to put in 12-hour days, during which time they are working on slippery surfaces while operating heavy machinery.
As for work environment, oil rig and gas pipeline workers face some of the most treacherous working conditions of all occupations. The deadlines and time frames within which oil must be produced means that oil rig and gas pipeline workers face tremendous pressure to work as quickly as possible, which means safety concerns often take the backseat.
Common causes of workplace accidents in oil rig sites include:
• Malfunctioning machinery
• Incorrectly installed equipment
• Lack of proper safety training
• Explosions
• Fires
• Slip and falls
• Gas leaks
• Exposure to hazardous chemicals and substances
• Falling objects
• Faulty communication
• Violations of OSHA standards
• Improperly maintained equipment and tools
• Rig or derrick collapses
When something goes wrong on an oil rig or gas pipeline work site, the consequences can be tragic. Injuries suffered by oil rig and gas pipeline workers in workplace accidents include:
• Broken bones
• Back, neck and shoulder injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Skull fractures
• Amputations
• Burns
• Electrocutions
• Paralysis
The study cited in the Forbes article is further proof of the highly dangerous nature of oil rig and gas pipeline work. If you have been injured while working on a gas pipeline or oil rig, you may be able to receive compensation for your injuries.
The workplace accident attorneys of Fears | Nachawati can evaluate your case to help you determine who is responsible for your oil rig or gas pipeline accident. In addition to workers’ compensation, it is sometimes possible to bring a personal injury lawsuit against a third party, which means you will obtain greater compensation than you would have through insurance alone.
Third parties who may be responsible for your gas pipeline or oil rig accident include contractors, company men, equipment owners or lessors, drilling contractors, tool or machinery manufacturers and subcontractors.
To receive free legal advice from a Texas workplace accident attorney, email Fears | Nachawati today, or call us on our toll-free helpline at 1.866.322.6898.
