Scaffolders

Whether onshore or off, oil rigs require workers to operate from various heights. In order to be able to work at these heights, oil rigs need scaffolding and platforms built by qualified construction crews known as scaffolders. All rigs require some elements of scaffolding to work from and it is the responsibility of the scaffolder to build them and make sure they met all safety requirements. Their duties can include designing and building of scaffolds for any number or oil related projects. Scaffolders are knowledgeable about standard requirements and materials used in the construction of scaffolds as well as various offshore drilling regulations. Most of a scaffolder's duties are performed on offshore rigs.

It shouldn't need to be said that workers pursuing a career as a scaffolder needs to be comfortable with heights. Scaffolders often work as a team or supervise an existing team on a rig depending on the size of the scaffolding company. Most training for beginning scaffolders is provided on the job and, as with any position in the oil industry, scaffolders can work their way up to a better paying title. As a scaffolding supervisor, you need to be able to coordinate your team and always maintain a level of safety. Scaffolds can be permanent structures or temporary structures that the scaffolders will have to come back and dismantle after the project has been completed.

Oil rig scaffolders do not stay and work at just one particular oil rig. Because of their job duties, they are required to move from one rig to the next depending on locations. Demand for scaffolders is closely tied with the current state of the oil market. During booms in the industry, there is a higher demand for scaffodlers as companies are seeking to build new projects. When the economy is low and companies wish to only concentrate on their existing projects, demand for scaffolders is down. They can earn an annual salary of anywhere from $45,000 to $60,000 a year depending on location and the type of job. Scaffolders are often independent contractors hired by the oil company to complete a required project.

Leave a Comment

Wade Bishop said:

im looking for a job

warren welsh said:

hi i am a fully quilfide scaffolder looking for work offshore or onshore really doesnt matter

Roughneck Definition

Roughneck Definition Derrickman

If you are thinking about getting a job within the oil industry, one of the positions you will often find is that of a derrickman. You will also see this written as two separate words on occasion - as derrick man. You may also see it advertised for...

read entire definition