By the Law Firm of Brandt & Sherman

Key Takeaways

• Offshore accidents are often caused by equipment failures, slippery decks, fires/explosions, falls from heights, and struck-by or caught-between hazards.
• Employer negligence — such as poor maintenance, lack of training, and unsafe work practices — plays a major role in many offshore injuries.
• Workers may have rights under the Jones Act, general maritime law, or other federal protections depending on their job classification.
• Unseaworthy vessels, inadequate staffing, and fatigue are major contributors to offshore incidents.
• Injured workers may be entitled to compensation for medical care, lost wages, long-term disability, and other damages.

Offshore work along the Gulf Coast is dangerous, fast-paced, and physically demanding. Workers on rigs, platforms, vessels, and support boats face hazards every day, and even a small mistake can lead to catastrophic injuries. Understanding the most common causes of offshore accidents can help workers identify unsafe conditions and protect their rights when something goes wrong.

For more details about these cases, visit the firm’s Offshore Accidents page.

1. Equipment Failures and Malfunctioning Machinery

Offshore operations rely on heavy machinery, power tools, cranes, and hydraulic systems. When this equipment is not properly inspected, repaired, or maintained, it can fail without warning.

Common examples include:

• Faulty winches or hoists
• Defective drilling equipment
• Broken or worn cables and lines
• Malfunctioning safety devices
• Electrical system failures

These incidents often occur because employers ignore maintenance schedules or cut corners to save time and money. When equipment failure leads to serious injuries, multiple parties — including employers and vessel owners — may be responsible.

2. Slippery or Hazardous Deck Conditions

Offshore decks are frequently wet, greasy, or cluttered. These conditions make slips, trips, and falls extremely common.

Hazards often include:

• Spilled drilling fluids or chemicals
• Oil or grease on walkways
• Poorly secured hoses or cables
• Tools left out during operations
• Worn or inadequate anti-slip surfaces

Falls on offshore structures can lead to back injuries, fractures, head trauma, or permanent disability. You can learn more about these injuries on the firm’s Neck and Back Injuries page.

3. Fires and Explosions

Offshore platforms and vessels handle flammable materials daily. When equipment is defective or safety protocols are ignored, fires and explosions can occur.

These incidents may happen due to:

• Improper storage of flammable materials
• Leaking gas lines
• Electrical shorts
• Failure to maintain fire suppression equipment
• Hot work performed without proper precautions

Fires and explosions often cause life-threatening burns, smoke inhalation injuries, and fatalities.

4. Falls From Heights

Offshore workers frequently operate on elevated platforms, ladders, cranes, derricks, and scaffolding. Falls from heights are among the deadliest offshore accidents.

These falls may result from:

• Lack of fall protection equipment
• Broken guardrails
• Slippery walkways
• Poor lighting
• Missing safety harness anchor points

When proper safety equipment is not provided or maintained, employers may be held responsible.

5. Struck-By or Caught-In Accidents

Offshore environments involve constant movement of heavy tools, cables, pipes, and loads.

Common struck-by or caught-between incidents include:

• Cargo swinging from cranes
• Pipes or drill equipment coming loose
• Falling tools from upper platforms
• Pinch points between machinery
• Crushing injuries in tight spaces

These accidents often cause traumatic injuries, including fractures, amputations, and severe internal damage.

6. Transportation-Related Accidents

Offshore operations rely heavily on transportation between ports, vessels, and platforms. Accidents commonly occur during:

• Crew boat transfers
• Helicopter transport
• Vessel-to-platform transfers
• Personnel basket lifts
• Ship collisions or allisions

Workers injured during transit may still have maritime claims depending on their role and job duties.

7. Fatigue, Understaffing, and Poor Training

Many offshore accidents stem from preventable human error caused by:

• Exhaustion from long shifts
• Inadequate staffing
• Lack of proper training
• Unsafe job pressure
• Poor communication among supervisors

Fatigue and understaffing increase the risk of mistakes, slow reaction times, and unsafe decision-making.

8. Unsafe or Unseaworthy Vessels

A vessel is considered unseaworthy when it is unsafe, improperly staffed, poorly maintained, or lacks essential safety equipment. These conditions violate maritime law and can give injured workers additional legal rights.

Unseaworthy conditions may include:

• Broken steps or ladders
• Worn lines or cables
• Faulty navigation systems
• Missing safety gear
• Improperly trained crew members

If your injury was caused by an unsafe vessel, you may have claims beyond basic benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

What laws protect offshore workers?

Depending on your job status, you may be protected under the Jones Act, general maritime law, the doctrine of unseaworthiness, or other federal maritime protections.

Can I sue my employer for an offshore injury?

If you qualify as a seaman under the Jones Act, yes — you can sue your employer for negligence.

What if I don’t qualify as a seaman?

You may still have rights under maritime law or workers’ compensation. You can learn more on the firm’s Workers’ Compensation page.

What compensation can I recover?

Medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, disability, and in fatal cases, surviving family members may pursue a Wrongful Death claim.

Injured in an Offshore Accident? Brandt & Sherman Can Help.

Offshore accidents involve complex laws and aggressive insurance companies. Contact Brandt & Sherman for a free consultation. The firm fights for real people who need real help and knows how to navigate maritime and offshore injury claims.