Regarding the “Disposable workers of the oil
and gas fields” story, I worked as a derrick and floor hand
back in 1968 in New Mexico. Drillers are always under pressure to
get in and out of a hole, no matter what the cost.
If you
complain about safety or work conditions, you may find yourself
working in a very abusive environment with all the deckhands. I had
been told that some accidents aren’t accidents. I have lived
with severe back pain for over 30 years because I ran to get a
drink of water and then was forced to lift out a 250-pound floor
clamp.
Drilling is one of the most punishing jobs around,
but for the money sometimes the only one available.
Tom Demogines
South Hill,
Washington
This article appeared in the print edition of the magazine with the headline The rough lives of roughnecks.
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