Louisiana workers in the oil and gas industry face some of the highest risks of injury. As an oil or gas worker, you may enjoy your job and the financial stability it brings to you and your family, but an injury suffered while on the job could change that.
Here are some of the most causes of common injuries suffered by oil and gas industry workers in Louisiana:
- Collapsed rigs. Too much weight put onto an oil rig can cause the rig to collapse. Additionally, a rig that is not constructed correctly or not maintained has a greater chance of collapsing. Employers have a duty to make sure all employees are trained on how to properly handle an oil rig and to see that rigs are properly built and maintained.
- Fires and explosions are commonly caused by drilling, welding or failing to maintain ignition sources near the wellhead.
- Oil and gas workers are usually working at great heights, which means that any fall is likely to cause serious injury or even death. Many times, the falls are caused by inadequate safety measures by an employer.
Additional causes of injuries
Oil and gas workers are also at risk of electrocution, which is not something most of us must worry about in our daily jobs. Oil and gas workers spend their days surrounded by wires which increases the chance of electrocution, such as by touching a worn wire.
Simply coming into contact with equipment could cause serious injuries. Oil and gas workers are around many different types of equipment that spin or move very fast. Equipment could also fall and collide with or strike a worker.
Moreover, workers could become trapped or get various body parts stuck in this equipment. Unfortunately, many times these incidents cause permanent injuries or death.
Poisoning is another common injury among oil and gas workers. Working in the industry naturally means exposure to various chemicals while working. Some chemicals can collect in areas with poor ventilation. If the poison is colorless and odorless, such as hydrogen sulfide, a worker can ingest the poison without realizing it.
Types of injuries
Common types of serious injures include head, back and spinal cord injuries, as well as broken or fractured bones. Eye and ear injuries are also common due to the constant noisy environment and chemical exposure. Some situations may require amputation of body parts or result in permanent hearing or eyesight loss.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration legally requires Louisiana employers to provide a safe and healthy workplace environment for their employees. If you are injured while working, you will need compensation to cover your medical expenses and lost income until you can get back to work.
There are various laws you may be able to seek compensation under, depending on where your injury took place. You must prove negligence under most of these laws to recover compensation.
This involves proving your employer failed in their duty to provide you with a safe working environment and that failure caused your injury. You must also prove your damages, which is the amount of compensation you seek.
If you are injured, follow your doctor’s instructions regarding treatment. Any evidence you failed to follow instructions could reduce your compensation.