Alabama-based Complete Safety Works specialises in training rig workers to react safely in the event of a blast on an offshore platform, helping to save lives in events such as the sinking of the Deepwater Horizon platform following an explosion.

Speaking to Fox10 TV, company spokesperson Avery Flick said that the human toll of such disasters has reduced considerably in recent years as safety training requirements have improved and rig workers have learned the safest ways to respond to rig blasts.

"They're finding that if they have some training and if the training is ongoing and they keep being reminded many times, they can get out safely," she said.

President Barack Obama has declared that responding to the Deepwater Horizon disaster is a "number one priority" for the nation, with the US Coast Guard searching around the clock for the 11 rig workers reported missing after the blast.

Seventeen people were hurt during the blast, three of whom are being treated for critical injuries.

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