Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Floorhand

🎯 Role Definition

A Floorhand (rig floorhand) is an entry-level drilling operations professional responsible for supporting safe, efficient drilling and completion activities on land or offshore rigs. The Floorhand performs manual tasks on the drilling floor, assists in handling drill pipe, tubing and casing, operates basic rig equipment under supervision, follows strict safety procedures, performs routine inspections and maintenance, and collaborates with the crew to maintain continuous, compliant operations. This role demands physical stamina, mechanical aptitude, team orientation, and up-to-date safety certifications.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Roustabout / General Laborer in oilfield or construction
Entry-level rig maintenance or yard hand
Military trades with mechanical/rigging experience

Advancement To:

Derrickhand
Motorman / Mechanic on rig
Driller / Assistant Driller
Wellsite Supervisor / Toolpusher

Lateral Moves:

Mud Technician Assistant
Field Service Technician (mechanical/hydraulics)
HSE (Health, Safety & Environment) Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Perform safe and efficient handling of drill pipe, tubing, casing and other tubulars on the rig floor, including rig-up, rig-down and pipe connections, while following torque and makeup procedures specified by supervisory staff.
Assist in tripping operations by making and breaking stands of drill pipe, guiding tubulars into slips, and ensuring joints are properly torqued and secured for continued drilling operations.
Operate rig floor equipment such as tongs, slips, elevators, rotary tables, and power swivels under supervision, ensuring all tools are used according to manufacturer and company safety guidelines.
Load, unload and stage rig supplies, consumables and tubulars using cranes, forklifts and hand tools in coordination with crane operators and the logistics team to support uninterrupted drilling activities.
Perform housekeeping on the rig floor and surrounding work areas, removing debris, securing trip hazards, and maintaining clean, organized equipment zones to comply with site HSE standards.
Conduct routine visual inspections of drilling tools, rigging, lifting slings, chains and wire rope for wear, deformation or damage and report defects to the rig supervisor for repair or replacement.
Assist with rig maintenance tasks including greasing bearings, changing filters, tightening fasteners, and replacing seals under direction from motormen or maintenance technicians to keep critical systems reliable.
Participate in pre-shift and pre-job safety meetings, hazard assessments and toolbox talks; implement job safety plans and stop-work authority when unsafe conditions are observed.
Monitor mud returns, flow lines and shaker operation while assisting the mud team as needed to ensure drilling fluid systems operate within specified parameters and prevent well control incidents.
Help implement and maintain well control and blowout prevention (BOP) equipment staging protocols, ensuring quick access and readiness for emergencies when directed by rig management.
Assist in running and retrieving drill collars, stabilizers and downhole tools; handle heavy tooling and follow correct rigging and lifting procedures to prevent injuries and equipment damage.
Follow confined space, hot work and permit-to-work procedures when supporting maintenance activities on tanks, pits or enclosed equipment, ensuring all required monitoring and rescue provisions are in place.
Perform routine checks and operational assists for standby safety equipment such as lifelines, harnesses, gas monitors and breathing apparatus, ensuring devices are charged and ready for use.
Support logging, coring and completion crews by preparing the rig floor, rigging in specialized tools and ensuring safe hand-offs during crew transitions and specialized operations.
Maintain accurate shift handover notes and assist in communicating outstanding tasks, equipment issues and safety observations to incoming crews to ensure continuity of operations.
Respond to emergency situations — fires, spills, injuries — according to site emergency response plans and execute basic emergency measures such as evacuations, containment and first-aid support until specialized teams arrive.
Assist in the installation and alignment of rig mats, substructure components and scaffolding used for safe access during drilling, completion and well intervention tasks.
Support chemical, H2S and hazardous materials handling procedures by following MSDS, labeling protocols and proper storage practices while assisting the logistics or mud teams.
Participate in training and competency exercises, demonstrating safe operation of rig floor tools and achieving required certifications and on-the-job assessments as part of career development.
Maintain radio communication and hand signals with crew members and crane operators during lifts and pipe movements to coordinate safe, synchronized operations across the rig floor.
Record and report incidents, near-misses, equipment malfunctions and safety observations in the company reporting system and actively participate in root cause reviews as required.
Adhere to company environmental and waste management policies by properly disposing of contaminated materials, minimizing spills and supporting site remediation activities when needed.

Secondary Functions

Assist logistics and stores personnel with inventory counts, tagging of equipment, and staging of replacement parts to reduce downtime.
Support wireline, completion and cementing teams with auxiliary tasks such as rigging up/down surface equipment and preparing flowback areas.
Participate in basic preventative maintenance programs by helping collect equipment readings and performing visual checks on mechanical assemblies.
Provide hands-on assistance during rig moves, ensuring tools, lines and fittings are stowed and secured according to rig move procedures.
Mentor new hires and trainees by sharing best practices, safety observations and efficient manual-handling techniques under rig supervision.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Rig floor pipe handling and tubular makeup/break-out techniques (manual and mechanized).
Operation and maintenance awareness of rig floor equipment: tongs, elevators, slips, drawworks, and power tong systems.
Rigging fundamentals: straps, shackles, slings, block and tackle, and basic crane signaling protocols.
Basic mechanical aptitude: greasing, basic troubleshooting, filter changes and routine equipment checks.
Familiarity with drilling fluid circulation systems, shakers and primary mud handling principles to assist mud crews.
Competency with confined space, hot work, and permit-to-work safety practices.
Proficiency using personal gas monitors, H2S detection equipment and following gas testing procedures.
Knowledge of well control fundamentals and BOP handling basics to support rapid response teams.
Competent use of radios, hand signals and standard communication protocols for coordinated lifting and pipe handling.
Ability to read and follow technical drawings, rig schematics and equipment manuals at a fundamental level.
Basic first aid and emergency response skills (CPR, basic wound control) to provide immediate aid on-site.
Experience with basic welding and cutting safety (if applicable) or ability to support welding crews with setup and safety watch.
Competence with power and hand tools commonly used on the rig floor (impact wrenches, torque wrenches, grinders with PPE).
Familiarity with environmental control procedures including spill containment and hazardous materials handling (MSDS/TDS interpretation).

Soft Skills

Strong teamwork and communication — clear radio and hand-signal communication under high-noise conditions.
High level of situational awareness and the ability to identify and escalate hazards immediately.
Physical stamina, manual dexterity and ability to perform repetitive heavy lifting in varied weather conditions.
Adaptability and composure under pressure during emergency or high-tempo drilling operations.
Reliability and punctuality — consistent attendance for 12/14/24-hour shifts and ability to work rotational schedules.
Commitment to continuous learning and competency development through on-the-job training and formal certifications.
Attention to detail for equipment checks, shift handovers and procedural compliance.
Problem-solving mindset for identifying simple mechanical issues and communicating solutions to supervisors.
Respect for safety culture and willingness to stop work when unsafe conditions are identified.
Professionalism and ability to represent the company on-site, interacting with clients, contractors and regulators.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

High school diploma or GED (or equivalent). Strongly prefer candidates with basic technical training or vocational certification.

Preferred Education:

Trade or technical certificate in heavy equipment, diesel mechanics, petroleum technology, or industrial mechanics.
Additional certifications or short courses in rig operations, drilling fundamentals, or occupational health and safety.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Mechanical Technology / Industrial Mechanics
Petroleum Engineering Technology
Occupational Health & Safety
Heavy Equipment Operation

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

Entry-level to 3 years of experience on drilling rigs, well sites, pipeline construction, or heavy industrial environments.

Preferred:

1–3 years working on drilling floors, completions crews or similar oilfield roles with demonstrated competency in tubular handling, rigging and basic maintenance.

Certifications commonly requested or preferred: H2S Alive, Basic First Aid/CPR, WHMIS/GHS, Ground Disturbance (where applicable), Valid driver's license, Offshore: BOSIET/FOET (if applying for offshore assignments).