Oil rig workers are susceptible to a variety of risks. A recent crush injury case has prompted our oil rig injury lawyer in Houston to provide information about these risks and the devastating consequences. The recent case stems from an incident in March that resulted in crushing injuries to a maritime worker in Norway. While this example case occurred overseas, the risks of similar injuries are very real for workers in the United States.
Oil Rig Injury Lawyer in Houston Discusses the Case
In March, a drill floor worker was working on a monkey board located inside a Transocean oil derrick drilling for Shell. The exact details of the incident were not immediately reported, but sources indicate that the worker suffered severe crush injuries. He was flown from the derrick site to a hospital in Norway. Since that time, the Petroleum Safety Authority Norway (PSA) has launched an investigation into the incident, which appears to be ongoing.
Dangers of Oil Rig Crush Injuries
Crush injuries are among the most severe injuries sustained by oil rig workers. Unfortunately, these injuries are among the most common type of injury due to the nature of working on oil rigs and derricks. Crush injuries can be minor, with injuries that are easily treated; however, most often crush injuries result in significant damage, disability, or death.
There are numerous risks associated with crush injuries and possible complications, such as:
- Infection: any time there is an open wound, the patient is at risk for developing an infection. In conditions that are less than sanitary, infections may be more likely, and more difficult to treat.
- Chemical disruption: When chemicals in the muscles and cells of the body are disrupted, the result can be breakage, strain, or death to these areas. Severe instances of chemical disruption leading to leakage of sodium, calcium, or potassium can lead to a condition known as rhabdomyolysis. Rhabdomyolysis can have devastating consequences if not properly treated, including organ failure, decreased blood pressure, and bone or nerve damage.
- Disability: One of the most common devastating outcomes of crush injuries are permanent disabilities associated with disfigured or amputated limbs. Around 75 percent of crush injuries occur to the legs, which can have a drastic negative effect on the individuals overall mobility and quality of life.
Ways to Prevent Oil Rig Crush Injuries
Working around heavy machinery and equipment, especially in damp or poorly lit conditions, is dangerous for anyone. Employers in the maritime industry are tasked with providing a safe working environment, including providing proper training and safety gear, maintaining machinery and equipment to avoid malfunctions, and taking steps to prevent accidents and injuries. When employers fail to meet these tasks, they place maritime workers at risk.
While there may be no real way to prevent an accident or crush injuries, it is important that maritime workers understand that they have rights. Anyone who has been injured in a crushing oil rig accident due to the negligence of another party should explore his or her legal rights by contacting a oil rig injury lawyer. Contact us for more info.