Those employed in the gas and oil extraction industries remain amongst the most at risk of injury and death at work in comparison to all other industries.
There is the continual pressure to produce efficiently, as the cost of drill projects is significant. Additional stress comes from working away from home for long periods of time, lengthy shift patterns and the tough physicality of the job for workers. Such factors can begin to take a toll on worker safety by causing a higher risk of potential human error including the incorrect application of equipment and not adhering consistently to procedures which can lead to a higher likelihood of accidents.
- Local emergency response collaboration
Develop relationships with local emergency response organizations and build a consistent flow of communication to provide a higher level of safety overall. Emergency responders, rig hands, and exploration and safety and health professionals must work together to utilize their resources to be ready to handle emergencies quickly and successfully. Discuss specific health and safety hazards at the drilling site and determine the best way to help each other in this emergency. If possible, invite emergency responders to tour drilling sites or rigs to give them clearer ideas about how to approach potential emergencies.
- Keep an eye on mental health
A big factor that adversely impacts safety in this field is employee culture. Remove the “hard man” image and the old-fashioned stereotypes that are linked with workers in the sector by fostering a more open environment via different training methods and team training. Building a sense of togetherness and trust with workers will make it more straight forward for them, and they’ll be more willing to ask for assistance, comply with regulations, admit mistakes, and seek advice to create a more positive and safer environment.
- Ensure familiarity with the workplace
Before work begins, make sure everyone who will do the work understands their role, the dangers that exist, and all safety precautions. Requires procedures and hazards to be fully communicated to new workers in the event of transfer of work and changes in work location.
- Consistent housekeeping
Reduce the possibility of a fatal accident by keeping the floor, footpath and all work areas clean of unnecessary items to prevent incidents or danger. Apply clear signs that direct workers to emergency and safety equipment to quickly deal with potential hazards.
- Stay on top of maintenance
When working on an offshore rig, heavy equipment is your life when you are hundreds of miles from land. Prevent premature machine failure and keep your workers safe by checking machines regularly. Communicate the importance of routine maintenance checks to your workers. For quality components from a Valve Manufacturer, visit https://www.orseal.com/
- Give clear visual communication
Strive to eliminate miscommunication and confusion with readable and reliable signs and labels for conveying danger and safety instructions. Make special signs to communicate specific procedures for work crews and specific work locations. Replace obsolete, illegible, and obsolete signage as soon as possible. Check for faded floor markings that require re-application.
- Reassess safety signage as projects change
When workplaces, projects, and crews change, take time to assess that the signs and labels are in the correct area and communicate the hazards and procedures that exist before the next project starts; this will ensure danger and details about a particular location.