Working offshore is profoundly different than jobs on solid ground. You may be on a stable platform or a vessel, surrounded by water, and often open to the elements.
The risks associated with offshore jobs are virtually endless, particularly within Houston’s oil and gas industry. Oil and gas rigs have a high risk of spills, fires, and explosions that can lead to worker injuries and fatalities. And on top of theses considerable safety risks, offshore workers are usually far away from hospitals and proper medical care.
To avoid safety issues and emergencies, offshore workers should keep a number of safety tips in mind. If these fail and you suffer a Maritime work injury, the best thing you can do is call the Houston offshore injury lawyers of The Krist Law Firm, P.C. We have extensive experience fighting for the rights of injured offshore workers and a record of securing favorable results that let them move on with their lives.
Call (281) 283-8500 for a free, no-risk consultation because we only get paid when you recover compensation.
6 Offshore Worker Safety Tips
Working offshore is tough and can be dangerous. However, by following the safety regulations and recommendations, you can drastically decrease the risk of an accident, injury, or fatality.
1. Wear Protective Gear
When working offshore, your protective gear is essential. Whether you are supposed to wear gloves, eye protection, respiratory masks, or hardhats, do not get lazy or overly comfortable. It is easy to think that after performing the same task hundreds of times that you can forgo a protective item once in a while. However, this is when disaster strikes. Never allow yourself or your coworkers to get lax about safety gear.
2. There are No Minor Hazards
When you and other workers view an issue as a “minor hazard” you are more likely to let it go instead of correcting it immediately. However, when you are on a rig or vessel offshore, nothing is minor. Seemingly small mistakes or problems can lead to devastating circumstances. By developing the mindset that nothing is a minor hazard, you give every issue the attention it deserves.
3. Locate Problems
If the same safety issue keeps coming up, stop fixing it in the short term, and look into the underlying problem. For instance, if there is clutter, debris, or cords in a walkway that should be clear, do not stop at cleaning it up. Find out who is making the mess and why the walkway is remaining this way. It may be that one or more workers need additional training or there is a lack of necessary supervision.
4.Inspect Tools and Equipment
Your jobs heavily rely on tools, equipment, and machinery that are safe and in working order. However, keeping your implements in shape requires vigilance, consistent inspections, and maintenance. If you or others let these tasks fall to the side, broken tools can become dangerous and increase the risk of injury.
5. Do Not Use Equipment Without Training or Certification
After years on the job, it is easy to believe you can pick up new tools, machinery, or vehicles without official training. However, your experience may not be enough and you could lack the knowledge necessary to use this equipment safely. If there are new items you want to be able to use, ask your supervisor for the proper training. If there are vehicles you want to operate, ask for the proper training, and obtain the necessary licenses. This protects you and your coworkers from dangerous accidents.
6. Promote a Safety Culture
The best way to ensure you are always working in a safe environment is to promote a culture of safety and accountability on your rig. If you and everyone you work with believe in following the rules and looking out for one another, including identifying and correcting hazards, then you all can avoid common safety issues.
Did You Suffer an Injury While Working Offshore?
If you are an offshore worker and suffered an injury while on the job, contact the Houston maritime accident lawyers of The Krist Law Firm, P.C. right away. Let us explain your rights and legal options.
If your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence, you may have the right to file a claim under one of the many maritime laws that protect offshore workers.
Be sure to work with an attorney experienced in maritime laws, otherwise, you will not receive the attention your case deserves. At The Krist Law Firm, P.C., we have decades of experience handling maritime injury cases and long track record of positive outcomes.
Call us today at (281) 283-8500 for a free, no-obligation consultation.