What to Do Immediately After an Offshore Injury

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The first priority after an offshore injury is safety and medical care. Move away from an ongoing hazard if possible, request emergency assistance, and make sure the injury is reported through the vessel or company's established process. Even an injury that initially seems manageable can become more serious after swelling, neurological symptoms, internal injuries, or pain develop.

Document the scene when it is safe to do so. Photographs and video can preserve deck conditions, lighting, weather, equipment positions, damaged components, warning signs, personal protective equipment, and visible injuries. If you cannot take photographs yourself, identify coworkers who saw the condition and preserve their personal contact information if permitted.

Be accurate when completing an incident report, but do not guess about facts you did not see or accept blame simply because a supervisor suggests a particular explanation. Describe what happened in plain language. Ask for a copy of any statement or report you sign.

Preserve physical evidence such as clothing, footwear, gloves, tools, harnesses, or personal protective equipment. Do not alter, wash, repair, or discard potentially relevant items. Keep texts, emails, work orders, safety messages, schedules, and communications relating to the job or incident.

Finally, use caution before giving a detailed recorded statement, signing a release, or authorizing unrestricted access to medical information. The company may begin investigating immediately. An injured worker should understand the purpose of requested documents and the legal rights that may apply before making decisions that could affect the claim.