Many jobs in Louisiana are risky or dangerous in some way. For certain professions, such as offshore drilling, danger is just part of the job. According to Time, part of what makes an oil rig career so risky is that job sites are located hundreds of miles offshore, away from everyone and everything. If something happens, the Coast Guard, the authority in charge, can take a long time to get on the scene. In the meantime, it is up to the crew to get out safely and attend to the injured.
The fact is that this is one of the most dangerous jobs in the country. When a major incident occurs, it can be catastrophic, costing millions of dollars and producing serious and fatal injuries. Fortunately, big accidents do not happen very often. Still, smaller accidents do happen on a regular basis. While they may not kill as many workers, they can still be frightening and grim.
Minimizing the risks is obviously a focus for companies. This is not always easy, though. Workers are often on rigs for weeks at a time, isolated from everyone but their co-workers. They also work long days, usually at least 12 hours. In addition, the nature of the work is just loaded with risks. The materials are highly flammable, and the equipment used is large and hazardous. Regulations are put in place and companies are held liable when accidents happen, but that does not reduce the overall risks that come with this dangerous profession. This information is only intended to educate and should not be interpreted as legal advice.
