Texas Oil Worker Injured on Platform
Working on an oil rig is not the safest of all occupations, but owners and administrators have a responsibility to reduce the hazards as much as possible. When they fail to do this, not only do they put their workers’ lives at risk, they also open themselves up to possible workers’ compensation or premises liability claims.
This was the case following an accident in the Gulf of Mexico, where an oil platform worker was injured following a workplace accident. The worker was doing maintenance on the platform. In the process of demolishing an on-rig fire hydrant, he was instructed to cut a certain pipe. Unbeknownst to the worker, the pipe was full of raw pressurized oil. The ensuing spill covered the man in crude, and a pair of heavy compressor clips knocked him down a flight of stairs.
The man suffered a back injury in the fall, as well as chemical burns to his eyes and skin. He filed a premises liability lawsuit in the Galveston Division of the Southern District of Texas against Chevron U.S.A. Inc., claiming that the company failed to properly train its employees, failed to provide a safe work environment, failed to provide adequate safety equipment, failed to provide adequate medical treatment and failed to warn the staff of danger. He claims damages in the form of physical pain, suffering and discomfort; mental anguish, impairment and disfigurement.
Providing a safe work environment means more than keeping fire escapes clear and posting security guards. It also means educating employees, contractors and subcontractors about the potential dangers inherent in the workplace, and ensuring that they have the tools and experience required to face those unique hazards.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, our lead attorney, Robert Greening, is ready to put more than 24 years of legal experience to work on your behalf. To schedule a consultation, contact GreeningLaw, P.C., online or call 972-934-8900.