Very few blue collar career paths offer the opportunity to earn as much or rise through the ranks as quickly as oil drilling. While increased automation and outsourcing have limited the amount of jobs and pay of manufacturing work, oil drilling remains a field that offers strong wages for even entry-level positions. However, these high wages don’t come without risk of serious injury — even death. Oil prospecting is one of the more dangerous jobs out there, but that isn’t keeping job hunters away. With the industry expanding in the US, more new and inexperienced workers are on drill sites. As a result, the injury and fatality rates are climbing at an alarming rate. Whether in remote locations on land or offshore, there are many hazards to be mindful of in the industry before making the decision to drill for a living.
Vehicle Collisions
The greatest risk to oil workers does not involve oil drilling at all. While some vehicle accidents occur on site, the real danger comes while commuting to and from work. How is that different from any other profession? Oil prospecting can routinely lead to 17-20 hour work days depending on how remote the location. Getting workers to and from remote sites can take hours which means longer days and fewer shift changes. And the drillers aren’t the only ones working long hours. Truckers that transport materials also have an exhausting schedule. Many fatalities are due in part to oil field exemptions from highway safety rules that allow drivers to work longer hours than those in most other industries. Exhaustion and driver fatigue represent the greatest danger to oil workers, in all aspects.
The greatest risk to oil workers does not involve oil drilling at all. While some vehicle accidents occur on site, the real danger comes while commuting to and from work. How is that different from any other profession? Oil prospecting can routinely lead to 17-20 hour work days depending on how remote the location. Getting workers to and from remote sites can take hours which means longer days and fewer shift changes. And the drillers aren’t the only ones working long hours. Truckers that transport materials also have an exhausting schedule. Many fatalities are due in part to oil field exemptions from highway safety rules that allow drivers to work longer hours than those in most other industries. Exhaustion and driver fatigue represent the greatest danger to oil workers, in all aspects.
Struck By/Caught In/Caught Between
The leading cause of death or injury on site come from this category of accident. Much like in construction work, when drilling, workers are exposed to many large machines and vehicles. With these large pieces of equipment in constant motion, workers are in danger of getting struck by a vehicle or falling object. They also risk getting trapped between or in large equipment that is unguarded. As you might expect, a drill site can be an extremely loud environment. As a result, machine operators have a difficult time hearing what is around them. If they are unaware of their surroundings, a passing worker could easily be hurt or even killed by a piece of machinery without the operator even realizing an accident had occurred.
The leading cause of death or injury on site come from this category of accident. Much like in construction work, when drilling, workers are exposed to many large machines and vehicles. With these large pieces of equipment in constant motion, workers are in danger of getting struck by a vehicle or falling object. They also risk getting trapped between or in large equipment that is unguarded. As you might expect, a drill site can be an extremely loud environment. As a result, machine operators have a difficult time hearing what is around them. If they are unaware of their surroundings, a passing worker could easily be hurt or even killed by a piece of machinery without the operator even realizing an accident had occurred.
Explosions/Fires/High-Pressure Lines
With so many combustible materials and gasses present on an oil site, it’s easy to see how the above are serious concerns. Flammable well gasses, vapors, and hydrogen sulfide are released by equipment and trucks — and many other elements of a rig’s operation could potentially ignite them. Small fires are always a real possibility but as we learned in the Gulf region not long ago, explosions are a threat as well. With the intense amount of pressure in these pipe lines, if a leak occurs the resulting compressed gas can also present struck-by hazards in addition to igniting.
With so many combustible materials and gasses present on an oil site, it’s easy to see how the above are serious concerns. Flammable well gasses, vapors, and hydrogen sulfide are released by equipment and trucks — and many other elements of a rig’s operation could potentially ignite them. Small fires are always a real possibility but as we learned in the Gulf region not long ago, explosions are a threat as well. With the intense amount of pressure in these pipe lines, if a leak occurs the resulting compressed gas can also present struck-by hazards in addition to igniting.
Falls/Confined Spaces
Many of the remaining hazards can be categorized as one of these two dangers. In many worksites, platforms high above the ground are required to be scaled to keep equipment operating correctly. Regardless of most weather conditions, a drill site will be up and running, and gusty winds or precipitation can lead to weak footing. In addition to being elevated, drillers may find themselves in confined spaces where dangers from asphyxiation and exposure to harsh chemicals are present.
Many of the remaining hazards can be categorized as one of these two dangers. In many worksites, platforms high above the ground are required to be scaled to keep equipment operating correctly. Regardless of most weather conditions, a drill site will be up and running, and gusty winds or precipitation can lead to weak footing. In addition to being elevated, drillers may find themselves in confined spaces where dangers from asphyxiation and exposure to harsh chemicals are present.
Heavy Lifting/Ergonomic Hazards
Even if oil drillers manage to avoid any of the above hazards, the intense amount of physical activity can put a strain on their body. Often workers need to lift, pull, or push heavy objects, and these actions sometimes take place in very unnatural body positions. Some workers are in the same awkward position for hours at a time — and this can lead to health complications over the course of their tenure, and beyond.
Even if oil drillers manage to avoid any of the above hazards, the intense amount of physical activity can put a strain on their body. Often workers need to lift, pull, or push heavy objects, and these actions sometimes take place in very unnatural body positions. Some workers are in the same awkward position for hours at a time — and this can lead to health complications over the course of their tenure, and beyond.
Anyone looking to get into oil prospecting needs to consider the risks and not just the potential financial rewards. It is extremely hazardous work that is not meant for everyone. Those already in the field are also encouraged to stay educated on the risks and laws enacted to protect them. Work with your organization to keep yourself and your job site as safe as possible — businesses like eCompliance offer software solutions to handle safety training and certification to assist this endeavour. While everyone who works in this dangerous field does so with the understanding that hazards are present, a more educated workforce can help reverse the trend of increased accidents seen over the last five years.
