In the United States, there are more than 900,000 active gas and oil wells. Because of the vast number of wells and the increased production of domestic natural gas in the United States, it’s important now more than ever for workers and their executives at gas and oil extraction sites to be involved in the prevention of injuries and environmental damage.
The ignition caused by motorized equipment during servicing, drilling, and the production of operations can result in the result in fires and explosions. According to the Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, 823 workers involved in gas and oil extraction were killed on the job between 2003 and 2010.
How can you involve yourself in the health and safety of your gas and oil extraction workers?
Safety Gear
Many injuries and fatalities experienced by workers were often caused by being caught in-between or in heavy machinery or being struck by heavy machinery. Therefore, as in any construction field or workplace, it’s essential that you as an executive are providing your workers with efficient safety gear that enables them to be seen by other workers.
High-visibility vests, jackets, pants, and helmets that are reflective in the respective light should be readily available and worn by employees in the gas and oil extraction areas at all times. By wearing high-visibility clothing you will reduce the risk of harm to your workers significantly.
Emergency Borehole Camera
Having an emergency borehole camera on hand, as well as additional cameras such as a high pressure camera in order to withstand the pressurized systems of the well, is as important as supplying high-visibility clothing to your workers. A gas well inspection is necessary to determine the safety of the well in addition to the safety of your workers.
An emergency borehole camera, and an understanding of borehole camera specifications, will be able to identify potential hazards in a gas well. An emergency borehole camera is also able to be used in the event of a borehole’s need of repair.
The safety risks for those workers involved in the operation of gas and oil extraction sites are vast. Therefore, it’s essential for employers and executives to be knowledgeable of safety hazards and concerns and to know how to address them. All employees should wear high-visibility clothing while working on-site and emergency cameras should be available in the event of needed repair or possible danger.
