Let us say you are starting a new job on an oil rig. You probably know an oil platform in the Gulf of Mexico presents a dangerous working environment.
However, you may not be familiar with the danger involved with the personnel basket transfer and the possibility of injuries.
Types of transfer
Oil platforms are among the most dangerous places to work, but the commute to the rig can be dangerous as well. One method of accessing the oil rig is the Billy Pugh. This is a venerable design in personnel transfer. Workers ascend from shuttle to rig by standing on a round, rigid structure encircled by a buoyancy ring with fenders. A crane lifts the Billy Pugh with its passengers from the sea to the platform deck. Another lifting device is the personnel transfer capsule. With this method, the passenger moves from ocean to platform deck while strapped into a bucket seat. Both types of personnel transfer are high-risk operations, and those who work with such processes must proceed with care.
Checking for safety
To begin with, the crane should be certified for use in transferring workers with the basket rigged properly onto equipment. Both the basket and capsule must be thoroughly checked to ensure all moving parts are safe. Before beginning a personnel transfer, oil rig employees should check wind speed and other operational concerns.
Negligence and multiple parties
No matter how you make the transfer from boat to oil platform, there are risks involved. However, if you are ever injured in a personnel basket transfer, you may be able to make claims for compensation against multiple parties. Under maritime law, you can expect coverage for your medical expenses, rehabilitation and more. Explore your legal options. You may be able to file claims against the rig owner, the personnel basket operator and others who played a role in a personnel transfer gone wrong.
