Oil rig accidents are among the most hazardous incidents that can occur in the workplace, often resulting in serious injuries or even fatalities. Due to the inherently dangerous environment of oil rigs—where workers are exposed to heavy machinery, high-pressure systems, volatile chemicals, and harsh weather conditions—the risk of accidents is significant. When an accident occurs, it can lead to severe physical, emotional, and financial consequences for the affected individuals and their families.

If you or a loved one have been injured whilst working on an oil rig, you may be entitled to compensation. If you would like more information on the process of making a compensation claim with one of our expert accident at work solicitors, then please do not hesitate to get in touch with us today.

Common accidents that lead to oil rig accident claims

Oil rig environments are inherently hazardous, leading to a variety of accidents that can result in serious injuries and give rise to accident claims. Some of the most common accidents on oil rigs include:

Slips, trips, and falls

• Wet or oily surfaces, uneven walkways, and cluttered workspaces can lead to a risk of slips, trips, and falls. These accidents can cause anything from minor injuries like sprains and bruises to severe injuries such as fractures, head injuries, or even fatalities if a worker falls from a height.

Fires and explosions

• The presence of flammable gases, chemicals, and fuels, combined with high-pressure systems and electrical equipment, can lead to fires and explosions if safety protocols fail. These incidents often result in severe burns, respiratory injuries, fatalities, and can cause extensive damage to the rig itself.

Equipment failures

• Malfunctioning machinery, lack of maintenance, or the use of outdated equipment can result in catastrophic failures. Equipment failures can cause crushing injuries, amputations, or even deaths if workers are caught in or struck by heavy machinery.

Chemical exposure

• Oil rigs use and produce hazardous chemicals. Exposure can occur due to leaks, spills, or inadequate protective gear. Chemical exposure can lead to burns, respiratory issues, poisoning, and long-term health problems like cancer.

Exposure to Extreme Weather

• Oil rig workers, especially on offshore rigs, are often exposed to harsh weather conditions such as storms, high winds, and extreme temperatures. Prolonged exposure can lead to hypothermia, frostbite, heatstroke, or weather-related accidents like falls or slips.

Crush injuries

• Workers can get caught between moving machinery, heavy equipment, or between the rig and another object. These accidents often result in crushing injuries, amputations, or fatalities.

Employers’ responsibilities

Employers operating on oil rigs have significant responsibilities to ensure the safety and well-being of their employees. Given the inherently hazardous nature of oil rig work, these responsibilities are critical for preventing accidents and minimising risks.

Employers must establish and enforce risk assessment and strict health and safety procedures tailored to the specific risks of oil rig operations. This includes guidelines for operating machinery, handling hazardous materials, and emergency response.

Regular inspection, maintenance, and repair of all equipment are essential to prevent malfunctions that could lead to accidents. Employers are responsible for ensuring that all machinery, tools, and safety devices are in good working condition.

Employers must also provide workers with the necessary PPE, such as helmets, gloves, safety harnesses, respiratory protection, and flame-resistant clothing appropriate to the specific risks of the job.

If an employer has failed in their responsibilities and you have been injured in an oil rig accident as a result, you could be eligible to make a claim against your employer.

What is the claims process for oil rig accidents?

During your initial consultation, our team of personal injury solicitors will provide you with comprehensive legal advice regarding your personal injuries compensation claim and inform you about the relevant limitation rules that apply.

Our experienced lawyers will request detailed information about your accident and the injuries you sustained as a result. This information will enable our injury lawyers to assess the likelihood of a successful claim on your behalf.

Examples of the information our lawyers may require include the location, date, and time of the accident, a description of the nature of your injuries, details of any witnesses to the incident, information about the defendant involved, and a thorough understanding of the circumstances surrounding the accident.

During the initial stages of your compensation claim, it is crucial to gather relevant evidence to make a no win, no fee agreement claim. This evidence may consist of CCTV footage of the incident, medical records documenting your injuries, photographic evidence of the harm suffered, and statements from witnesses.

In some cases, your personal injury solicitor may recommend undergoing an official medical examination to obtain detailed medical reports specifically related to your injuries. These accident reports will serve as vital medical evidence, providing a comprehensive understanding of the nature and extent of your injuries.

If we determine that your oil rig accident compensation claim is likely to succeed, we will offer our work on a no win, no fee basis. This means that if your claim is unsuccessful, you will not be required to pay any legal fees.

Once your claim is filed, the defendant will be notified, and they will have the opportunity to accept or deny liability for your injuries. If liability is accepted, negotiations for a settlement will commence. However, if the defendant denies liability, court proceedings may be necessary to resolve the dispute.

What are the time limits for oil rig accident claims?

In the UK, there are specific time limits, known as limitation periods, for making a personal injury claim. These time limits are set out in the Limitation Act 1980. The general time limit for oil rig injury claims, including oil rig accident claims, is three years from the date of the accident or from the date when the injured person became aware of their injury and its connection to the accident. This time limit also applies to fatal accident claims.

However, it is important to note that there are some exceptions and variations to the general limitation period. These exceptions include the following:

• Mental Capacity: If the injured person lacks the mental capacity to make legal decisions, there is no time limit for making a claim. The limitation period only starts when the person regains capacity.
• Time Extensions: In exceptional circumstances, the court has the discretion to extend the limitation period. This typically occurs in cases where the nature of the injury or the circumstances make it difficult for the injured person to pursue a claim within the standard time frame.

How can Beacon Law assist?

At Beacon Law, our team of accident claims solicitors are highly experienced and capable of assisting clients on accidents at work claims. We work tirelessly to achieve the best outcome for our clients, continually providing a high standard of service.