Houston Maritime Lawyer Helps Offshore Workers Stay Safe on the Job
Picture standing on an offshore oil drilling platform, the Gulf breeze whipping around you as you start another 12-hour shift. The routine feels as natural with daily safety checks, the familiar hum of equipment, and the rhythm of work that's become second nature. But, even after years on the job, dangers can lurk in unexpected places.
At Terry & Thweatt, our Houston offshore injury lawyers have seen what happens when these hidden hazards catch even the most experienced of maritime workers off guard. These following insights are not to alarm you, but to help you stay alert and protected while at work.
Oil Rig and Drilling Platform Hazards
Imagine a veteran roughneck with years of experience suffering severe hearing damage after his regular earplugs deteriorated without him noticing. This hypothetical scenario becomes all too real with the constant vibration from drilling operations taking its toll over time. It’s a subtle danger that's easy to miss until it's too late.
Many hidden risks of working on offshore oil rigs are literally invisible to the naked eye. A worker can pass out in a confined space if he trusts his nose over his gas monitor. The compartment may seem fine, but invisible hydrogen sulfide can quietly collect in the bottom. Small oversights can snowball into serious incidents when you're fighting fatigue at the end of a long hitch. Your reaction time slows and judgment suffers. That's when accidents happen.
Supply Vessel and Support Ship Risks
The dance between supply vessels and platforms requires perfect timing and communication. One slight miscalculation during cargo transfer can send a load swinging dangerously. Wet surfaces turn into skating rinks rife with the risk of slip-and-fall accidents, especially during night operations when visibility is limited.
Equipment that seems fine during inspection can fail without warning when it is constantly exposed to salt spray. That's why the best crews treat maintenance schedules as gospel, not just suggestions.
Offshore Construction Site Dangers
Working at height offshore adds an extra layer of risk to already dangerous construction work. Tools that would normally just fall to the ground can become lethal projectiles in high winds. What feels like a stable working position can quickly turn precarious when the wind picks up or the seas get rough.
Picture a welder working on a platform extension. It’s not hard to imagine him losing his grip when an unexpected wave hits the structure. While a harness may save his life, his welding torch can go flying into harm’s way for his fellow workers below. Even properly secured tools can work loose if wave action creates more stress than the securing system was designed to handle.
When weather windows are short and deadlines loom, it’s tempting to take shortcuts. But, that’s exactly when rigidly sticking to safety protocols is even more important. One rushed decision can put an entire crew at risk.
Diving Operation Hazards
Commercial divers face a world of hidden risks beneath the waves. Equipment checks become a ritual because there's no room for error when you're 100 feet down. Marine life encounters, changing currents, and limited visibility can turn routine tasks into challenges that require split-second decisions.
Port and Dock Worker Safety Concerns
Every ship brings different challenges. A container barge one day might be followed by bulk cargo the next, each with its own specific risks. Working around heavy equipment in tight spaces leaves little room for error. The best crews develop a sixth sense for potential problems, but that awareness only comes from staying alert and following proper procedures every single time without exception.
What to Do If You're Injured Working Offshore
The moments right after an offshore injury are crucial. Your first priority is getting proper medical care right away. Don't try to tough it out. Tell your supervisor immediately and make sure the incident gets documented properly. If you're able, take photos and get contact information from anyone who saw what happened.
The Jones Act and other maritime laws give offshore workers special protections, but these cases can get tricky fast. Insurance companies often try to minimize claims or shift blame. Don’t overlook the possibility of third-party lawsuits for possible compensation. A Houston offshore injury lawyer can explore all possible options. Having one in your corner can make all the difference.
At Terry & Thweatt, we don't just handle offshore injury cases. We understand the unique culture and challenges of maritime work. Our Gulf Coast maritime lawyers have helped Texas offshore workers from Galveston to Port Arthur get the compensation they deserve after workplace accidents. Let us worry about protecting your rights while you focus on getting better.