Oil field workers often face harsh conditions when they’re working. They’re out in the elements, which means being exposed to rain, snow, heat, cold and direct sunlight. They need to have proper safety protocols to address those conditions, but there are also other hazards that must be addressed to help keep these workers safe.
Many hazards that these workers face aren’t avoidable, so the focus must be reducing the chance that an injury will occur.
Control of high-risk equipment and procedures
Oil field operations often involve heavy machinery, confined spaces, flammable materials and elevated workspaces. Using proper lockout-tagout procedures is essential when equipment requires service or repairs can prevent accidental start-ups. Having regularly occurring rig inspections is also critical because they can uncover issues that may lead to structural issues or equipment defects that need to be addressed.
Falls are another hazard in this field. The use of fall protection systems must be mandatory for anyone working from heights. In some cases, workers are sent into confined spaces, which requires the use of atmospheric testing.
Fires in an oil field are often intense. Workers should be armed with gas detectors to help prevent them from doing something that will unintentionally start a fire. They should also be required to wear flame-resistant clothing. Emergency shutoff systems and blowout prevention equipment are frontline defenses that are critical in these conditions.
When proper safety protocols aren’t followed, workers can suffer serious injuries. They should receive prompt medical attention, which should be covered by workers’ compensation. Obtaining the benefits they’re due, which can include partial wage replacement, vocational rehabilitation and others, depending on the situation, may be challenging. Those injured workers may opt to work with someone who’s familiar with these situations so they can receive what they’re due.