What does a roustabout do?

Nineteenth-century deckhands or dockworkers were once dubbed Roustabouts, but today, the name applies to an important, demanding role in the oil industry. A Roustabout is a manual laborer with basic mechanical skills that works on an oil rig. The day-to-day duties for a Roustabout vary, though they generally include cleaning machinery and tools, loading and off-loading equipment, repairing boilers and engines, and inspecting pipes for leaks. Roustabouts are essential members of the oil rig crew, helping to guide crane operators, dig drainage ditches, and mix materials required for successful drilling. Many of their responsibilities include preventative maintenance and job-site cleanliness, which helps ensure the safety of other workers and the environment.