The derrick worker

The derrick worker works high above the floor when the pipe is being pulled or run during regular operations. This position is commonly referred to as a derrick man.

On most modern rigs, sections of drill pipe are held vertically in a rack along side the derrick awaiting to be added to the drilling string as the bit works its way deeper into the ground. One of the duties of the derrick worker is to handle pipe that is added to or removed from the drill string. Pipe is added as the drill bit cuts deeper into the ground. Pipe is removed as the drill string is pulled from the ground once the drilling is complete or to replace the bit or to deal with a drilling problem. The pipe is raised and lowered with elevators. The pipe is stored between “fingers” in the rack next to a platform referred to as a monkey board.

When the rig is drilling, the derrick worker supervises and assists the two floor workers in maintaining the cleanliness of the rig. The derrick worker generally supervises and assists in equipment repairs and often catches and labels the mud samples. The derrick worker may also operate the draw works to provide the driller with time to fill out reports and perform other duties. This also gives the derrick worker experience in driller duties to prepare for a possible promotion.