On Friday, May 1, two workers on the PXA-1 offshore platform owned by Brazil's state-run oil company Petrobras checked into the facility's infirmary complaining of headaches and fever-like symptoms.
RIO DE JANEIRO - On Friday, May 1, two workers on the PXA-1 offshore platform owned by Brazil’s state-run oil company Petrobras checked into the facility’s infirmary complaining of headaches and fever-like symptoms.
While all have since recovered, the three workers, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to the media, said they are deeply embittered because they believe Petrobras failed to take now-standard precautions to prevent the spread of the virus, like testing workers before they went onboard rigs or providing them high-quality masks.
Local prosecutors said in a statement they have opened a probe into the incident on the PXA-1 platform. But that has not kept the virus from ripping through Brazil’s roughly 155 offshore oil platforms, according to an analysis of public and confidential data and conversations with doctors, workers, executives and government officials.
Among those fortunate enough to have formal work, many toil in cramped facilities, churning out commodities from copper to meat to iron ore or oil. Even as outbreaks have hit slaughterhouses, refineries and mines throughout the region, most of the employees have been deemed essential. At least six oilfield operators in Brazil have registered cases among employees and contractors, according to three people with knowledge of the firms’ operations, who requested anonymity as they were not authorized to speak to the media.Worker complaints vary from outbreak to outbreak, though among the most common qualms is an alleged failure to evacuate rigs promptly.
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