Death Rate for Offshore Workers 7 Times Higher than Other U.S. Workers | DENENA | POINTS
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Death Rate for Offshore Workers 7 Times Higher than Other U.S. Workers

Devils_tower_2004The Gulf of Mexico offshore accident attorneys at Denena Points, PC recall that 11 lives were tragically lost in the Deepwater Horizon disaster out in the Gulf, an indicator of the high risk of occupational injury or fatality in the U.S. offshore oil and gas extraction industry. To get a better idea of specific risks to workers in the industry, the U.S. CDC analyzed the data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries for the years 2003 through 2010.

The CDC found that from 2003 to 2010, 128 workers died in offshore operations. All but one of these fatalities occurred in Gulf of Mexico oil and gas extraction operations. Offshore workers had an on-the-job death rate that was 7 times higher than for U.S. workers in any other industries. The CDC analysis showed that the fatality rate for offshore workers was 27.1 deaths per 100,000 workers, as opposed to 3.8 for other industries.

51% of the deaths among offshore workers, or 69 fatalities, were transportation-related. 75% of these, or 49, involved helicopter trips to and from offshore platforms. Our Gulf of Mexico offshore accident attorneys emphasize that these helicopter accidents often resulted in multiple fatalities. 24%, or 31 deaths, occurred among the workers who were involved in transportation or materials moving. Among these 31 fatalities were some of the helicopter pilots and crew.

According to the CDC report, the leading causes of fatal injury for offshore workers were:

  • Transportation accidents,
  • Contact with objects or equipment,
  • Fires and explosions, and
  • Exposure to harmful substances and/or environments.

On average, salaries for offshore workers are also proportionally higher than for many other U.S. workers. But the higher pay comes with higher risks.

Learn Your Options after an Offshore Accident Injury Harms You or Your Family Member

Contact the Gulf of Mexico offshore accident attorneys at Denena Points, PC for a free and confidential legal consultation. We could discuss the specifics of your accident with you and evaluate your potential eligibility for the financial compensation you deserve after an offshore accident injury changes your life. You have no obligation to hire an attorney. And we don’t charge you attorneys’ fees unless we win your case for you, so there’s no financial risk. Call us today at 281-369-4363 or fill out our online contact form to schedule your free consultation.