It doesn’t matter if you’re a water hauler or a rig mover, working in the oilfield is a dangerous job. In fact, according to OSHA, 823 oil and gas extraction workers were killed on the job between 2003-2010. This makes the oilfield job fatality rate 7x greater than all other U.S industries.
As a matter of life and death, safety should always be the top priority for every worker on a job site. That’s why Oilfield Factoring would like to provide you with the top safety tips for working in the oilfield industry.
Job Site Safety
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.
Basic Oilfield Safety Rules
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.
- Wear Protective Gear. This includes hard hats, ear plugs, eye protection, boots, and other required clothing. Protecting your body is essential to working on an oilfield job site.
- Review All Subcontractors. 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 be held to the same expectations of all other workers.
- Execute Safety Checks On All Equipment. 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 it’s safety before using it. Any problems should be immediately reported and fixed.
- Ensure Qualified Work. 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.
- Maintain Regular Safety 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.
Safety Is Everyone’s Responsibility
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.
Oilfield Factoring
Oilfield Factoring is a leading provider of factoring services in the oilfield industry. We provide invoice factoring services and access to immediate cash. This ensures companies are able to meet payroll, manage equipment, and take on new opportunities for growth. For more information about the services we provide, contact us at 1.866.834.7338.
