The life of a person who works on an offshore drilling platform can be grueling. Many people who work on platforms in the Gulf come from Louisiana and surrounding states. They have long shifts, cramped quarters and work in dangerous conditions with unproven technology. Despite a sharp focus on safety on the rigs, drilling accidents are more common than most people would like.

While onboard some of these platforms, workers have access to a free restaurant, gym, laundry, and other amenities. They share bunks with their coworkers and eat together every day. This kind of environment would sound like a great deal, if it were not for all the dangers that exist.

Since the explosion of the BP oil rig in the Gulf in 2010, workers on other rigs have admitted to a general sense of unease. Realizing that other workers were killed in those types of accidents may keep most workers involved in active safety precautions.

However, there are reports that suggest that hazardous conditions not only still exist on these platforms, but they are not always investigated. Companies rarely pay large fines for accidents. Negligence may go unpunished. But with alarming frequency, workers are injured on these vessels. Workers have fallen through unmarked manholes and been crushed by overloaded equipment. There have been flash fires and mechanical explosions.

There are also other hazards of this environment. Offshore rigs have lifeboats available. However, they may be hanging above groups of sharks that regularly visit the site.

Injuries that are caused by unsafe conditions or negligence on these rigs can be quite serious. In the event that a company permits hazardous conditions to persist or does not properly respond to accidents, that company may be held liable for any damages that happen as a result.

Source: nola.com, "The offshore drilling life: cramped and dangerous," Dec. 30, 2011