From 2014 to 2017, Michael Hewitt worked for Helix Energy Solutions Group as a "tool-pusher" on an offshore oil rig. Reporting to the captain, Hewitt oversaw various aspects of the rig's operations and supervised 12 to 14 workers. He typically worked 12 hours a day, seven days a week—84 hours a week—during a 28-day "hitch." He then had 28 days off before reporting back to the vessel. Helix paid Hewitt on a daily-rate basis, with no overtime compensation. The daily rate ranged from $963 to $1,341 per day over the course of his employment.