Oil rigs are massive structures that extract and process petroleum and natural gas. Offshore rigs drill deep into the seabed to extract these products, while land-based rigs drill into rock and soil. In both cases, it takes hundreds of workers to fill various jobs, avoid accidents, and keep these operations working smoothly.
What’s in a Name? Job Titles on a Texas Oil Rig
Oil rigs are found all over the world, both on land and offshore. Texas has a long, rich history of oil production. The first oil discovery dates back long before the United States was a country. In 1543, Spanish explorer Luis de Moscoso saw oil floating in the water of what is now called Galveston Bay.
Around 300 years later, the Magnolia Petroleum Company opened the first Texas refinery, essentially starting the “black gold” rush that helped build Texas. With such a long and detailed history, it’s no surprise that some oil rig job titles are different in Texas than in other regions.
For example, the term “roustabout” was adapted from an early English word that referred to a person with no specific skills. However, a Texas oil roustabout is a person with many skills who helps maintain drilling equipment.
Other colorful and interesting job titles on a Texas oil rig include:
- Assistant Driller: Supervises other workers and assists with offshore drilling operations
- Company Man/Woman: Represents the company that provides funds for the rig to operate
- Ballast Controlman: Responsible for keeping the offshore rig safe and stable
- Chief Engineer: Oversees mechanical operations and other operations on the rig
- Control Room Operator (CRO): Fulfills a variety of tasks, including the transfer of liquids needed to control the stability of the rig
- Derrickman: Responsible for mud pump room operations
- Diver: Repairs and oversees underwater equipment
- Motorman: Attends to mechanical operations, especially diesel generators
- Pumpman: Assistant to the derrickman
- Rig Medic: Cares for sick or injured patients on the rig (not necessarily a licensed doctor)
- Roughneck: Operates machines and equipment used to drill
- Storekeeper: Runs an offshore store where workers can purchase basics
- Subsea Engineer: Oversees the many mechanisms needed to maintain rig stability
- Toolpusher: Makes sure the rig is stocked with all necessary tools and equipment; supervises drilling departments
Each role on an oil rig is important for keeping workers and the environment safe. Workers are often required to live on the rig for weeks or months at a time. They depend on one another as well as the support of their company to provide all of the basic and emergency care a modern community needs.
The Dangers of Working on an Oil Rig
Because an oil rig is a self-contained unit, even a minor problem on an oil rig can lead to a major malfunction. From explosions to equipment breakdowns, life on a rig can be dangerous.
Some of the safety concerns include:
- Exposure to toxic or hazardous chemicals
- Catastrophic fires
- Extreme weather
- Equipment malfunctions
Accidents on an offshore or land-based oil rig can lead to debilitating injuries and death.
Oil rig workers understand the risks of working in these unique environments. However, many don’t realize that if they are injured on the job, they may be able to file a claim for damages. An oilfield accident lawyer has the experience and resources needed to take on big companies and get fair compensation for workers who have been injured.
The Significance of Oil Rig Job Titles
Job titles not only identify a person’s position in the company but also help employees understand the chain of command. Some of the titles used in Texas are based on the state’s long history of oil drilling, and others are more modern.
Whether off-shore or on land, working on an oil rig can be a dangerous job. If a problem arises, it’s important to know who is responsible for the safety of oil rig workers.
Contact the Undefeated Houston Maritime Accident Lawyers from Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers for Help Today, Call 1-888-603-3636
For more information, please contact our Undefeated Maritime Accident attorneys in Houston, Texas at Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers to schedule a free consultation today.
We proudly serve Harris County, Midland County, and throughout the state of Texas. We are located in Houston and Midland and throughout the state of Texas:
Zehl & Associates Injury & Accident Lawyers – Houston
2700 Post Oak Blvd #1000, Houston, TX 77056
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