For most of us, the depictions we see on TV are as close to an oil rig as we ever plan on getting. The life and work of an oil rig worker is shrouded in mystery, but one thing that every Jones Act attorney knows is that being an oil rig worker is unlike any other job out there. There are plenty of things that set working on an oil rig apart from other similar jobs. Everything, from the location to the jones-act and the work itself, is completely unlike any other job you are likely to have had.
However, there are also lots of things that many of us get wrong about working on an oil rig and there are lots of common misconceptions about what the job actually involves. Here are the simple facts that you need to know about what it’s really like to work on an oil rig, from a Jones Act lawyer.
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They Have Everything
Oil rigs sit offshore, out in the open sea. Access to an oil rig (more on that shortly) requires ships and helicopters to take workers from the shore to the oil rig. That means the rig has to have a landing pad and a dock, at the very least according to the Jones-act.
Of course, as with any workplace, the workers aren’t going to be working the whole time. The oil rig needs to provide plenty of recreation and entertainment for workers too. They therefore provide internet access, satellite TV, a gym, and of course a cafeteria as per part of the jones-act.
Commuting via Helicopter
Even traveling to and from work becomes an experience when you work on an oil rig. Helicopters are one of the most common methods of getting to work for jones act lawyers to get to oil rig workers. Although if you’re thinking about signing up just for the daily helicopter rides, you should note that once you get to the rig, you will be staying there for a couple of weeks on average.
The Hours You Work
According to the jones-act, the average hours for oil rig workers are 2 weeks on followed by 2 weeks off, with each day consisting of 12 hours working followed by 12 hours of rest time. This is a very different working schedule to what most people are used to, and 12-hour shifts are exhausting. However, for your Jones Act attorney, the advantage of these arrangements is that you will effectively find yourself working only 22 weeks of the year.
The Pay
Oil rig workers make very good money, especially when you consider the amount of time each year that they get off work. As with any other field, the more specialized your skills and knowledge, the more money you can make working on a rig according to a Jones Act lawyer. Those with the most sought-after electrical, mechanical and other technical skills are able to command the highest salaries of all the personnel on board.
Is it Dangerous?
Oil rigs are more dangerous work environments than most of us are used to, but thanks to the Jones-act, they aren’t as dangerous as many people think they are. Workers who are injured have the ability to sue for compensation under the Jones Act. Anyone who thinks that they might have a valid claim under the act can speak to a Jones act lawyer, who can advise them how to proceed with their case.
Working on an offshore oil rig is a unique experience. You definitely need to have the right mindset for this kind of work, but those who are well-suited to the work will find a lot to like.
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