Keeping Employees Safe in the Oil and Gas Industry

Workers in the oil and gas extraction industry continue to be one of the highest at risk of injuries and fatalities on the job compared to all other industries in the United States. The constant pressure of efficient productivity due to the high cost of drilling projects, time away from home, long work days, and high physical demands takes a hefty toll on workers. These factors can ultimately affect worker safety by causing an increase in human error including misuse of equipment and inconsistent procedures that can lead to higher chance of accidents, emphasizing the importance for your New Mexico Oil Field Insurance as well as a strong workplace safety culture.

Mental Health

Be sure to monitor the mental health of your workers. Eliminate the age-old “tough guy” exterior and stereotype associated with workers in the industry by promoting a transparent and open environment through various training techniques and team exercises.

Building a sense of community and trust with workers will make it easier for them to be more willing to ask for help, obey rules, admit mistakes, and seek advice making for a more positive and safe environment. Invest in a safety program that unites workers. Encourage an environment of open communication and respect. Embrace a personal approach to safety training and dedicate time to allow workers to get to know each other.

Masculine work cultures, or what it means to be a “man” in these environments, caused men to internalize their feeling of exhaustion, stress, and more, jeopardizing their physical and mental health until it’s too late.

Housekeeping & Machine Maintenance

Reduce the chances of fatal accidents by keeping floors, pathways, and all work areas clear of unnecessary items to prevent trips and falls and struck-by hazards. Implement clear signage that directs workers to emergency and safety equipment to quickly combat hazards. Prepare all problem areas with spill kits in the event a chemical or oil spill occurs.

When working on offshore rigs, the machines are your lifeline when you’re hundreds of miles from shore. Prevent premature machine failure and keep your workers safe by conducting regular maintenance checks of machinery.

Clear Visual and Verbal Communication

Reduce confusion with legible and reliable signs and labels to convey dangers and safety instructions. Create custom signs to communicate procedures specific to certain work crews and work sites. Replace worn out, illegible, and outdated signage as soon as possible.

Ensure familiarity with worksites. Before work begins, ensure everyone who will be conducting work understands their role, hazards that exist, and all safety precautions. Require procedures and hazards to be fully communicated to new workers in the event of shift handovers and work site changes.

When worksites , projects, and crews change, assess that signs and labels are in the correct areas and communicate present hazards and procedures before the next project begins.

About Daniels Insurance, Inc.

At Daniels Insurance, Inc., we have a unique understanding of the risks that businesses like yours face on a regular basis. With the backing of our comprehensive coverages and our dedication to customer service and quick claims resolution, your business will be fully protected. For more information, contact us today at (855) 565-7616.