Offshore injuries

Common Offshore Injuries

The maritime industry is a fast-paced and demanding one. Because of this, many offshore jobs can be harsh and tough, so workers have to be very attentive. Unfortunately, sometimes things can go wrong. There are a few main injuries that tend to occur offshore that can lead to injury and sometimes death. 

Fires/Explosions

Due to the nature of working with natural gas and oil, fires and explosions are a common occurrence. If proper fire safety protocol is not followed or machinery is not used properly, fires and explosions can occur. These can lead to burns which can cause injuries ranging from a limited range of motion and scarring to the loss of a limb or permanent disfigurement. 

Lifting Injuries

Unlike most jobs, offshore jobs are much more physically demanding. This can take a toll on your body and result in sprains or back/neck injuries. This can include:

• Herniated Discs
• Sprains
• Spinal Cord Injury

Hazardous Materials

Working offshore causes you to be exposed to a variety of toxic fumes and chemicals. Inhalation of these fumes or contact through the skin can cause rashes, brain damage, and damage to your lungs, skin, and eyes. If proper safety measures are not taken, such as gas masks, gloves, and long-sleeves, you may be exposed to these hazardous materials. 

Machinery Injuries

Due to the heavy use of machinery in these job positions, accidents resulting in the loss of a finger, hand, or other appendage are more common than you think. Deep lacerations and amputations can occur if the machinery malfunctions or if the operator is not paying close enough attention.

Deaths

Unfortunately, offshore accidents can sometimes lead to death. This can be caused by fatal injuries such as severe burns, drowning, head trauma, or a wound that causes the injured to bleed out before they can receive medical attention. 

Common Offshore Accidents

There are a variety of offshore accidents that can result in offshore injuries. They include

• Tugboat Accidents
• Cargo Ship Accidents
• Oil Rig Accidents
• Oil Tanker Accidents
• Barge Accidents
• Charter Boat Accidents
• Dredging Accidents
• Ferry Accidents
• Crew Boat Accidents
• Jack-Up Rig Accidents

Main Causes Of Injuries

Many offshore injuries are caused by inattention, sleepiness, inexperience, failure to follow proper safety standards, lack of supervision, and defective equipment/tools. 

• Inattention: Workers and personnel in many maritime offshore situations become complacent and inattentive to their job duties. This can lead to reckless accidents that can cause injuries and death.
• Sleepiness: Long work hours and physically demanding job duties can cause workers to lose sleep. This can lead to drowsiness on the job which may result in inattention and injuries. 
• Inexperience: There is a steep learning curve when it comes to offshore jobs. Sometimes lack of experience can be detrimental to the entirety of the team. If one person is unable to complete their job safely others can suffer from their inexperience. 
• Failure to follow proper safety standards: It is easy to become lax on safety standards after a long period of no problems. However, these safety standards are in place for a reason and even a small slip-up can cause injuries. 
• Lack of supervision: Having someone who can take a second look and make sure things are being done correctly can prevent future problems and injuries. Particularly when it comes to training new people. 
• Defective equipment/tools: If tools are not up to standard or have not been taken care of they can malfunction. Offshore jobs leave no room for error meaning if one machine malfunctions there can be a plethora of consequences. Malfunctioning equipment can also open up liability to the manufacturer, the vessel, and the hiring company. 

Offshore Injury Lawyer in Texas

Offshore injuries fall under maritime law, so worker’s compensation claims can be difficult to navigate and understand. At Paxton Law, we have committed attorneys ready to take on your case. Call us for a free consultation today.