Drill rig accidents, both offshore and onshore, are among the most dangerous and deadly equipment accidents. Often involving explosive substances, such as oil and gas, a single incident can take many lives. Fatigued workers, some working shifts that last several days, poor maintenance, and the sheer size and power of drill rigs, make for a deadly combination, seen all too often in drilling industries. Drill rig accident lawsuits require special expertise. Drilling operations are subject to many federal and state regulations, and sometimes maritime law, and may answer to several different government agencies, including Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) , Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) . Multiple responsible parties may be involved.
Causes of drill rig accidents
Inadequate safety policies and procedures, poor maintenance, and worker fatigue are common causes of drill rig accidents. Under pressure to produce, many drilling operations are run constantly, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in any and all weather conditions from severe heat to sub-zero temperatures, meaning severe wear and tear on equipment and little opportunity for maintenance. Workers may work shifts as long as 72 consecutive hours under high stress conditions which include constant loud noise, vibration, hard physical labor, and the constant presence of danger. Common causes of drill rig accidents and injuries include:
- Exhaustion from long shifts
- Lack of training, experience, or supervision
- Negligence
- Rig collapse
- Contact with power lines or power sources
- Drilling into underground utilities
- Explosions and blowouts
- Falling objects
- Exposure to toxic chemicals
- Slip and fall accidents
- Cable or block breaks
- Improperly placed catheads
- Pipe tongs slipping
- Grating giving way
- Vibration
- Transportation hazards
- Exposure to hydrogen sulfide
Drill rig accident injuries
Whether caused by unsafe work conditions in the field, general equipment failure or simply the combustible nature of oil and gas, any type of drill rig accident can result in severe injuries, permanent disability, and even death. It is not unusual for several workers to be injured or killed in a single accident. Injuries caused by drill rig accidents can include:
- severe burns
- broken bones and fractures
- amputations
- dismemberment
- crush injuries
- electrocution
- injuries caused by explosions and blowouts
Drill rig accident lawsuits
Determining who is responsible for a drill rig accident can be a very complex process in itself. Often, several companies and several crews work with the same rig or operation. In some cases government entities are responsible. Lawsuits against government entities are very different to lawsuits against companies and individuals, with different procedures and time limits. Of the many types of drill rigs, offshore rigs are some of the most dangerous and offshore accidents are some of the most complex cases to pursue, involving special Maritime laws including Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act and the Jones Act.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a drill rig accident, contact an experienced construction accident attorney today.
