Roughneck

Roughneck is a term used largely in the oil and gas industry to describe a manual laborer on a drilling rig, typically on the drill floor. The job centers on handling drill pipes, assembling and disassembling joints, and performing routine maintenance and support tasks under the direction of the crew supervisor. The word is most closely associated with North American oilfields and dates from the early 20th century, likely reflecting the rough, physically demanding nature of the work at the drill string joints.

Duties and responsibilities include making up and breaking out connections between drill pipes, operating tongs and elevators, handling heavy equipment, cleaning and lubricating components, and assisting with rig-floor operations. Roughnecks work as part of a drilling crew, often in shifts that can be long and irregular, and may operate in remote or offshore locations. The role requires physical strength, good hand-eye coordination, and the ability to work under demanding, noisy, and hazardous conditions.

Safety and training: Workers receive on-the-job training and formal safety programs covering PPE, fire protection, fall protection, lockout/tagout procedures, and hazards specific to drilling operations, including high-pressure systems and H2S exposure. Employers and regulators emphasize safety culture, permit systems, and continuous training.

In culture and usage: The term has become a generic label for a rugged, hands-on laborer and has appeared in various works of fiction and journalism as a descriptor or nickname; it is used more as historical industry jargon today and may carry macho associations in some contexts.