Oil rigs require all kinds of skilled workers to operate safely and efficiently. From entry-level positions to senior management, each role plays an important part in the oil rig’s safety and productivity. If you work at or are considering working at an oil rig, understanding each role and its responsibilities can help you recognize everyone’s rights and responsibilities under maritime law.

Key Job Functions

Each crew member must understand their duties and how their work affects others on the rig. While some positions may overlap, each contributes something unique to the rig. Here are some of the most common types of oil rig workers and their responsibilities:

• Roustabout: They handle essential maintenance and manual labor tasks across the rig. Roustabouts keep equipment clean, transport supplies, help handle pipes, and maintain the deck area. Though this entry-level position requires less technical expertise, these workers have to endure significant physical stress and can be exposed to hazardous conditions.
• Driller: Drilling engineers control the oil rig’s main drilling operations and lead their immediate crew. They watch multiple systems at once, control drilling parameters, and make split-second decisions that determine operational success and crew safety.
• Derrickman: They work high above the rig floor in the derrick structure, handling drill pipes during operations and maintaining the mud circulation system. They’re prone to falls due to the height of the derrick structure. They also work with drilling fluids and chemicals that demand strict safety protocols and protective equipment.
• Motorman: Motormen keep the rig’s engines, pumps, and mechanical equipment running smoothly by performing regular maintenance and repairs. They usually work in confined spaces with hazardous materials, so they must follow all safety procedures to avoid oil rig accidents.
• Roughneck: They work directly on the drilling floor operating tongs, handling drill pipes, and supporting drilling operations. They face intense physical demands and constant exposure to harsh weather, creating numerous injury risks if proper safety measures aren’t followed.
• Welder: Welders deal with routine maintenance and emergency repairs in challenging conditions, like confined spaces and heights. While welding comes with significant risks due to extremely high temperatures and sparks, oil rig welders often have to do this in the most dangerous working conditions, which makes their job even riskier.
• Derrickhand: They climb high into the derrick to handle drill pipes during pipe-tripping operations and maintain the drilling fluid system. This is one of the most dangerous positions at an oil rig, as they have to handle heavy machinery from extreme heights.
• Floorhand: They operate equipment on the drill floor, handle drilling pipes, and help maintain the drilling equipment. They must be constantly alert to changing conditions and potential hazards to prevent accidents with the heavy machinery they work with.
• Drilling Consultant: These experienced professionals guide drilling operations, streamline procedures, and solve complex problems. They have a massive impact on operational efficiency and crew safety as they use their experience to help prevent accidents and stay compliant with maritime regulations.
• Rig Manager: Rig managers direct all aspects of operations. They balance crew safety with operational efficiency and regulatory compliance. Every decision they make directly affects worker well-being and establishes legal accountability.
• Rig Mechanic: Mechanics repair and maintain all mechanical systems, from drilling equipment to generators. They combine technical expertise with careful safety protocols when working on complex machinery to keep the entire crew safe.
• Assistant Driller: An assistant driller supports the main driller and handles secondary drilling operations, like monitoring drilling parameters and managing drilling fluids. 
• Company Man: These supervisors protect the operating company’s interests by overseeing operations and enforcing company policies and regulations. Their decisions about schedules, procedures, and safety measures directly impact worker safety and the rig’s legal compliance.
• Crew Chief: Crew chiefs lead specific operational teams. They coordinate activities and watch that their crew is performing its tasks according to proper procedures. They should be the first point of contact should a crew member notice something unusual or potentially dangerous and must take appropriate action to correct it and prevent injuries.
• Oil Rig Director: As the rig’s highest-ranking officer, directors drive overall operations and enforce regulatory compliance. Their choices about staffing, maintenance, and procedures are critical to keeping workers safe. Because of this, their actions generally establish legal liability.
• Diver: Divers perform inspections, maintenance, and repairs on the rig under the surface. They face unique hazards like decompression sickness and underwater entrapment. Because of these risks, they require extensive training and must follow strict safety protocols.
• Electrician: Electricians handle the rig’s complex electrical systems, working in hazardous conditions with high-voltage equipment. They must perform their work in confined spaces and often from heights, which makes it challenging to meet safety standards and adequately complete their work.
• Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) Manager: They’re the ones in charge of crew safety. HSE managers create and implement safety programs, investigate accidents, and confirm that the crew is following all regulations and safety standards. They also record and document all incidents, which are extremely important for protecting workers’ legal rights.
• Roughneck/roustabout: These essential workers do all kinds of manual labor tasks that keep the rig running. Despite lower technical requirements, they have significant physical demands and work in hazardous conditions, which means they require thorough training and adequate protective equipment.

Working Conditions and Demands

Many don’t realize just how common oil rig accidents are. In fact, oil rig workers face some of the most challenging working conditions in any industry. Many need to lift, climb, and operate heavy machinery in extreme weather conditions, including equipment that can weigh hundreds of pounds. Add in extreme weather and dangerous heights, and it’s not difficult to see why this is such a hazardous industry.

The industry’s standard shift patterns add another layer of difficulty to an already demanding job. Most offshore workers follow a rotation schedule with 14 consecutive days of work followed by 14 consecutive days off. During their time on the rig, workers pull 12-hour shifts that typically switch between day and night rotations. This schedule makes it difficult for them to maintain regular sleep patterns and manage fatigue, which can increase the risk of accidents and injuries.

Legal Protections for Workers

Several civil rights laws and human rights treaties protect oil rig workers’ safety and rights. The Jones Act, also known as the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, is one of the most important pieces of maritime legislation. It allows injured seamen to sue their employers for negligence, which most non-maritime employees are generally unable to do. Injured seamen can recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages, which is more comprehensive than recoverable damages under regular workers’ compensation programs.

The Outer Continental Shelf Lands Act (OCSLA) extends federal laws to offshore facilities operating on the outer continental shelf. This gives workers on these rigs the same protections as those working on land, including Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) safety standards and Fair Labor Standards Act coverage for overtime pay and minimum wage requirements.

Safety Regulations and Compliance

Employers operating offshore rigs must follow strict safety regulations designed to protect workers from injury and death. These cover everything from basic safety equipment to complex emergency procedures to offset the dangers of an onshore rig. OSHA requires employers to provide:

• Proper fall protection equipment
• Respiratory protection
• Fire safety systems
• Emergency evacuation procedures

Workers’ compensation law also plays an important role in protecting offshore workers, although these claims usually involve complex maritime laws like the ones covered in the previous section. 

The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) also extends to offshore workers. It requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations for workers who develop disabilities due to injury or illness. This might include modified work schedules, equipment adjustments, or alternative job assignments if possible. However, given the physically demanding nature of offshore work, it can be difficult to strike a balance between worker rights and legitimate safety requirements. Employers must carefully evaluate each situation to determine what accommodations they can reasonably provide without compromising safety.

Training and Certifications

Success and safety in offshore work is all about proper training and ongoing education. As technology and safety standards evolve, workers must regularly update their skills and certifications to stay compliant and protect themselves and the rest of the crew. Some of the most important certifications and training requirements are:

• Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET): This foundational certification helps workers understand basic offshore safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Well-Control Certification: Drilling crew members must obtain and maintain this crucial certification to prevent dangerous well-control incidents like blowouts. It involves intensive training on pressure control equipment, well-kill procedures, and emergency response protocols.
• Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET): This intense training prepares workers for a helicopter water landing or crash. Participants practice escaping from a submerged helicopter simulator in different conditions and positions.
• Rigger Training and Certification: Workers who handle heavy loads must understand complex rigging calculations, equipment limitations, and proper hand signals for safe crane operations.
• Confined Space Entry Training: Workers learn to identify hazardous atmospheres and understand the proper use of gas monitoring equipment and ventilation systems. 
• Hazardous Materials Handling Certification: This teaches workers to identify, handle, and store dangerous chemicals safely.
• First Aid and CPR Certification: Given the remote location of offshore installations, workers must be prepared to provide immediate medical care until professional help arrives.

Speak with a skilled oil rig accident attorney at Morris & Dewett today if you were injured in an accident. Our skilled attorneys can help you protect your rights and maximize your compensation.