5 Safety Tips for Workers in the Oil and Gas Industry
Stressing the importance of safety in the oil and gas industry has always been a top priority. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), safety hazards and dangers for workers in this sector include everything from vehicle accidents to chemical burns. In environments containing heavy machinery, dangerous workspaces and potentially hazardous gases, workers must be fully trained and adequately equipped to mitigate risk.
In This Article
- How to Stay Safe in the Oil and Gas Industry
- Contact Global Elastomeric Products, Inc. for All Your Rubber Molding Requirements
How to Stay Safe in the Oil and Gas Industry
Employees can take charge of their safety in the oil and gas industry by keeping the following five safety tips in mind:
1. Attend Regular Safety Refresher Courses
Seasoned workers often become familiar with their environment. Your initial safety training may become a distant memory, especially if you have moved into a specialized area. Attending safety training regularly is never a waste of time, and it can make the difference between hesitating or acting decisively in an emergency.
2. Prioritize Preventive Maintenance
Tired or worn equipment, including parts such as oil seals or specific tools, in a volatile environment significantly increases risk factors. Adhering to strict maintenance schedules and reporting ad hoc wear and tear can save lives. Never wait to report any maintenance concerns you may have noticed.
3. Stand out and Be Seen
Wearing high-visibility personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety boots can greatly mitigate health hazards in the oil and gas industry. Although safety gear is almost always provided, workers must ensure their uniforms and shoes stay in good condition. Reflective jackets can quickly become coated in dirt, and safety boots should stay in prime condition to protect feet from above and below. Serious accidents can happen in a split second, so always utilize the proper safety apparel, even if you only need to check on something quickly.
4. Understand the Importance of Effective Communication
Many forms of communication are used in the oil and gas industry. Although workers may share space, tasks vary considerably, so every worker must understand the sounds, signals and codes used to convey information. Protect yourself by knowing the meaning and significance of all forms of communication so that you can react quickly to take the requested action or evacuate if necessary.
5. Stay Alert to Your Surroundings
Accidents often occur when workers focus entirely on their own work without paying attention to what is happening around them. According to OSHA, three out of every five on-site oil and gas industry fatalities are “struck-by/caught-in/caught-between” hazards. In these accidents, workers often find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Make a mental note to scan your surroundings regularly, and give yourself enough time and room to move away from potential hazards.
Contact Global Elastomeric Products, Inc. for All Your Rubber Molding Requirements
Ensuring general safety in oil and gas industries has always been challenging. After over five decades of producing industrial oil products, Global Elastomeric Products, Inc. understands the importance of ensuring a safe work environment. Although workers can do a lot to reduce their risk of personal injury, they must also rely on quality, well-maintained parts and equipment. For a complete range of elastomer product solutions for your oil or gas plant, including custom parts, contact us today!