Oil rig explosions can be incredibly disastrous, not only for the environment but also for those working onboard the rig. There are various reasons that oil rig explosions occur, from faulty pipelines to onboard fires. In some cases, oil rig explosions can even occur due to equipment negligence. Here, we want to discuss the leading equipment issues that can arise on an oil rig that could lead to dangerous fires or explosions.

Who is Responsible for Safety on an Oil Rig?

Most people have probably not heard of the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement (BSEE). In the aftermath of the Deepwater Horizon tragedy that struck the US Gulf, the federal government instituted significant safety standards in order to protect the environment beyond what had ever existed. These safety standards include a heightened awareness of building safety standards in order to reduce the chances that a loss of control on an oil rig will occur in the first place. Safety standards also focus on containment capabilities in the event an oil spill does occur.

Additionally, we see that the US Department of Labor, specifically the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), has a wide variety of regulations specifically toned towards exposures to hazards present in the oil and gas well industries. In addition to federal regulations, any oil rig operating within a respective state’s boundaries will also have additional rules (though these regulations usually mimic federal regulations).

Common Types of Equipment Negligence on an Oil Rig

Oil rig workers typically rely heavily on specialty tools and equipment. If this equipment does not perform the way that it should, this can lead to serious injuries and even death. Some of the most common equipment issues that arise that can lead to oil rig explosions or injuries include the following:

• Damaged wiring or cables
• Corroded pipes
• Poorly designed features
• Defective equipment from a manufacturer
• Lack of effective training or safety measures in place

These equipment defects can occur in a wide variety of ways and have different causes. In some cases, employers fail to schedule regular maintenance or repair for equipment that is damaged or needs replacing. However, even in the best of circumstances, when all inspections are conducted appropriately, it could be the case that equipment is faulty before it even arrives at the oil rig. This could lead to companies or manufacturers of the equipment being held liable for any injuries that occur.

Finally, it only takes one point of failure for oil rig equipment to fail. If an employee uses equipment improperly, this could lead to serious injuries or an explosion.

An Attorney Can Help Your Case

If you or somebody you care about has been injured on an oil rig as a result of equipment negligence, and may be able to recover significant compensation for your losses. The reality is that employers and any third parties involved in oil rig operations are required to uphold strict safety standards. Failing to do so and lead to major injuries. Injury victims need to work with skilled Houston oil rig explosion lawyers who have experience handling these claims. There are complex laws in place that can create significant challenges when it comes to recovering compensation in these cases. An attorney will understand these laws and work diligently to recover maximum compensation for their clients. Contact The Doan Law Firm today for a free consultation.