Working in the oil and gas extraction industry presents a level of risk far beyond that of most occupations. Whether you’re involved in gas well drilling, servicing operations, or hauling water to remote rigs, the potential hazards are significant. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), 823 workers were killed on the job between 2003 and 2010, making the fatality rate in the oilfield more than seven times higher than that of the general industry.
Oilfield workers face constant exposure to hazardous chemicals, pressurized equipment, moving vehicles, and the risk of fires and explosions. Without strict adherence to safety and health protocols, the risk of injury and death is ever-present. That’s why implementing comprehensive training, using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and following OSHA standards is critical for ensuring workplace safety in these environments.
In this guide, we’ll walk through the key safety protocols every company should follow to minimize on-site fatalities and improve safety outcomes for all workers in the oil and gas industry.
Common Hazards in the Oil and Gas Industry
It doesn’t matter if you own a water hauling business, welding business, or well cleaning business, every oilfield company is responsible for the safety of its employees. However, oilfield projects usually involve high costs. This requires employers to depend upon their workers to do their job fast and efficiently which means working long hours around dangerous equipment in all sorts of weather conditions.
Key Oilfield Safety Rules Every Worker Should Follow
The oilfield industry takes the safety of its workers seriously. That’s why most companies post safety rules on the job site so that everyone knows what is expected. Workers who ignore these rules, usually find themselves quickly removed from the site. Listed below are the basic oilfield safety rules.
Use OSHA-Approved Protective Equipment
This includes hard hats, earplugs, eye protection, boots, and other required clothing. Protecting your body is essential to working on an oilfield job site.
Screen and Train Subcontractors for Oilfield Safety
All subcontractors should be screened for the necessary safety and protective gear required on the job site. They should also be briefed about the on-site safety rules and held to the same expectations as all other workers.
Inspect Equipment Regularly to Prevent Hazards
Broken or worn equipment can be a safety hazard to everyone on the job site. That’s why it’s essential to test and check all equipment to ensure its safety before using it. Any problems should be immediately reported and fixed.
Assign Only Trained Oilfield Workers to Critical Tasks
Don’t allow any workers to do a job they aren’t trained or qualified to do. This includes operating equipment they are unfamiliar with. Communicate with your workers and subcontractors to make sure they understand their tasks and roles.
Schedule Safety Training and First Aid Reviews
Everyone on a job site should be aware of company safety policies. All employees and subcontractors should also be trained to understand basic first aid practices. Even more, first aid kits should be readily available and stocked with all the necessary supplies.
Making Safety Everyone’s Responsibility on the Job Site
Safety in the oilfield industry is everyone’s responsibility. This includes keeping an eye out for others and making sure all safety policies and work procedures are followed. This ensures everyone goes home safe at the end of the day. The basic oilfield safety tips mentioned above are just that, the basics. Employers and employees alike should practice them to prevent accidents and ensure quick, adequate care in the event of an emergency.
Support Safer Operations with Oilfield Factoring
In the oil and gas industry, delayed payments can impact job safety and access to essential safety gear. Oilfield Factoring provides fast funding to help service companies stay compliant with safety and health standards, meet payroll, and support training programs, without waiting on slow-paying clients. Contact us today to keep your operations safe and running.
