The oil and gas industry is a demanding, dangerous field. According to NIOSH, it has a fatality rate that’s more than seven times higher than the rate for all U.S. workers. OSHA chief Dr. David Michaels rightly points out, “When it comes to workplace fatalities and injuries, the only acceptable number is zero.” Companies are implementing better safety programs to meet this goal. It’s important not to view these programs as another box to check on an employee’s to-do list.
The advantages of sound safety programs to workers extend beyond the operational and financial benefits. Safety training programs are not solely designed to save lives. In the bigger picture, these training programs improve the overall quality of lives -- job stability, job satisfaction, and physical, mental and emotional benefits. These are incentives to an improved safety culture.