USCA 5th: Fixed Oil Platform not 'Pier' Under LHWC

The United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit ruled last week that a fixed oil production platform built on pilings over marsh and water and inaccessible from land does not constitute a "pier" or an "other adjoining area" and that consequently injuries sustained on the job at such a facility are not covered by the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act.In Thibodeaux v. Grasso Prod. Mgmt. Inc. (05/18/04 - No. 03-60131), Thibodeaux worked for Grasso Production Management Inc. as a pumper/gauger on Garden Island Bay platform No. 276, a fixed oil and gas production platfor...