It shouldn’t come as a large surprise that although every step is taken to ensure the safety of employees and the outside world, the oil and gas industries are just inherently dangerous due to the nature of the work. Nevertheless, significant strides have been taken to ensure that those working in the industry are trained to the highest standard to avoid mistakes that could spell disaster.
This post will explore how the industry is trying to reduce the number of fatal and non-fatal incidents and list a few of the more pertinent statistics to paint a better picture of the current situation. One thing to bear in mind when reading this post will be that some of the statistics will be based on disparate years and not necessarily representative of the current year and will primarily target the Canadian and US-based oil and gas industries due to a similar outlook and regulatory approaches followed by both countries.
What Is The Oil And Gas Industry Doing To Ensure The Safety Of Its Employees
Before getting into the weeds and blasting you with a wide range of numbers and percentages, it’s worth taking a look at the sorts of initiatives that companies are undertaking to reduce the number of injuries that occur on the job. From standard health and safety workshops to more specific options like safe driver training, there are numerous ways in which employees are being given the opportunity to either enlist themselves or be mandated by law. Significant investments are channeled into cutting-edge safety tech, including Rig-Less Wellbore Monitoring Solutions and other advanced detection systems designed to enhance real-time monitoring of any leakage and emergency response. This can help them evacuate in a timely without any harm. Companies conduct regular, rigorous safety drills and exercises, ensuring all personnel are adept at managing emergencies efficiently. The protective equipment provided is of the highest quality and is subject to regular scrutinous inspections to meet stringent safety standards. IN almost all cases, employees working for larger, more reputable companies will have to follow mandatory regular training to ensure that everyone has a thorough understanding of the processes they must follow and other more specific emergency protocols.
Industry Safety Data Program (ISD)
The ISD program, a crucial initiative in the industry, is a voluntary reporting intuitive that gathers insights on near-miss events and safety incidents specific to the offshore sector. Its significant growth since its inception is a testament to the industry’s commitment to safety. Initially, it covered a mere 4% of oil production, but now it includes operators responsible for over 80% of oil production, marking an outstanding 2,000% increase in participation. This substantial involvement underscores the industry’s dedication to better understanding and mitigating potential hazards.
Workplace Safety Report (WSR) Insights
The WSR offers a comparative analysis of job-related non-fatal injuries and illness within the U.S. oil and gas industry, particularly versus other U.S. industries. In 2020, the findings were favorable for this sector, demonstrating an increased push towards safety. According to the statistics, the injury rate came to 1.4% per 100 full-time workers, which is notably lower than the overall U.S. private injury rate of 2.7 per 100 full-time workers. Notably, the exploration and production sector stood out, with even higher figures. The rate was 0.6% per 100 workers, which is dramatically lower when you juxtapose them with the U.S. mining sector rate of 1.2 injuries per 100 (although these figures might compare perfectly due to the vastly different working conditions). Nevertheless, these statistics underscore the effectiveness of the industry’s safety measures and its continuous efforts to maintain a safer work environment.
Addressing Severe Work-Related Injuries
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a sobering overview of severe work-related injuries in this extractive industry. Between January 2015 and July 2022, there were a total of 2,101 reported severe injuries, the type of injuries with the potential to cause a reduction in quality of life. It might not come as a surprise, but contract workers involved in well services reported the highest number of these kidneys of injuries, experiencing 417 amputations and 1,194 hospitalizations. These figures represent 20% and 57% of all severe injuries, respectively. These statistics illuminate the critical areas that require heightened safety protocols and continuous monitoring. The industry has recognized this need and is dedicated to implementing further safety measures to safeguard these vulnerable worker groups.
Leading Causes Of Injuries and Fatalities
The primary causes identified in most injuries or fatalities tend to focus on a few specific issues:
- Bodily reaction and exertion: These account for almost 40% of all injuries, reflecting the physical demands inherent to the job.
- Falls: Falling contributes to just over 25%, highlighting the need for heightened fall prevention protocols to reduce the risks.
- Contact with objects and equipment: Another large contributor to workplace injury is contact with the various objects and equipment often required to complete tasks. This accounts for almost 38% of injuries, which could be reduced with further training in safe operation and handling procedures.
Importance of Safety Initiatives and Programs
The data presented reflects the ongoing efforts to improve safety outcomes in the oil and gas industry. The significant participation in programs like ISD and the favorable comparisons reflected in the WSR emphasize the dedication to injury reduction and worker safety. However, the statistics regarding severe injuries and common causes of accidents show that there is still room for improvement. Safety initiatives and rigorous monitoring are crucial in cultivating a safer work environment, and fortunately, the industry recognizes that continuous improvement is paramount to addressing evolving safety challenges.
Future Directions for Safety in the Industry
Looking forward, the oil and gas industry will likely continue to prioritize safety by adopting newer technologies and methodologies to mitigate risks. The trend of increasing participation in voluntary safety programs like ISD indicates a collective recognition of the importance of data and analysis in preventing accidents. Emphasis will remain on improving safety protocols for high-risk activities, particularly for contract workers in vulnerable positions, with a focus on the leading causes of injuries such as those discussed earlier. Additionally, fostering a culture of safety within all organizational levels will be pivotal in achieving lasting improvements.
Working in the oil and gas sectors is an inherently risky vocation, as highlighted by the various statistics presented in this post. But, as also can be seen, the numbers of severe injuries and fatalities have come down over the years, a testament to the ongoing efforts to make the entire industry safer and more accessible.
