Industry Workers

According to the Census of Employment and Wages in 2011, there are over 450,000 workers employed in the oil and gas extraction industry in the United States. Industry workers in oil and gas exploration and development are vulnerable to many health hazards in their day-to-day work. Between 2013 and 2017, records show 489 oil and gas workers were killed while on the job. In order to ensure worker safety, it is vitally important that proper personal protective equipment (PPE) is worn and that safety measures are followed to prevent accidents and exposure to hazardous chemicals. According to OSHA, safety and health hazards or dangerous conditions that can lead to fatalities include vehicle accidents, being struck by/caught in/caught between equipment, explosions or fires, falls, and exposure to high levels of toxic chemicals. 

Some health hazards may not lead to fatality but will still negatively impact workers’ health. These health hazards include exposure to diesel exhaust, particulate matter, hydrocarbon gases and vapors, hydrogen sulfide, naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM), silica, other hazardous chemicals, and extreme temperatures or loud noises.

 
On top of concerns regarding exposure to hazardous chemicals, workplace accidents can also prove dangerous to workers. The oil and gas industry is a 24-hour, all-season industry. This results in long work shifts, extended work periods, and extreme weather conditions that can create additional challenges and stress for workers. A recent study evaluated over 300 industry workers and found that their mental health, stress level, and fatigue were contributing factors in their behavior around safety. Therefore, it is in the best interest of employers to ensure staff are balancing their mental health, stress level, and fatigue in order to decrease the likelihood of workplace accidents.