Workers in the petroleum and energy sectors know that oil and gas work can be dangerous business. According to an article in the January edition of Safety + Health by the National Safety Council:

“The Bureau of Labor Statistics shows a record number of deaths in the oil and gas extraction sector in 2012 – even as workplace deaths trended downward overall. In total, 138 oil and gas workers lost their lives in 2012 – a 23 percent increase from 2011.”

Unique equipment and activities, potentially dangerous substances, and rugged, remote worksites all contribute to the challenges of jobs in this industry. OSHA lists some typical safety hazards that come with oil and gas work:

• Vehicle Collisions
• Struck-By/Caught-In/Caught-Between
• Explosions and fires
• Falls
• Confined Spaces
• Ergonomic Hazards
• High Pressure Lines and Equipment
• Electrical and Other Hazardous Energy
• Machine Hazards
• Planning and Prevention

Summit Connect, a new way to make online training easy, is a great place to find the courses you need to train your employees about these often preventable hazards, as well as industry-specific training such as pipeline safety and valve safety.

This industry will continue to grow and change and the safety standards that OSHA and NIOSH are setting should be followed carefully. It’s crucial to create a strong safety culture on these jobsites by training new employees and providing continuing education for current employees. Safety must become second nature to a team that faces so many risks each day.

HSI is here to help you. Give us a call at 800.447.3177 today to find your total training solution.