There is a lack of existing information regarding the variety and magnitude of chemical exposure risks to oil and gas extraction workers. To determine if risks are present, NIOSH wants to develop partnerships with the oil and gas extrac¬tion industry to identify, characterize and (if needed) control workplace chemical exposures.
A recent ruling by a Colorado judge could have implications for the nation’s oil and gas industry. The Denver Post reported in late July that Administrative Law Judge Peter Cannici ruled that the death of a Weld County (Colorado) oil and gas worker was caused by exposure to hydrocarbons. The ruling comes as federal health officials take a closer look at “tank gauging,” or measuring oil levels after opening a tank hatch — commonly known as a thief hatch.
Gas leak detectors are equipment that indicates the presence of gases in ambient air using technologies such as electrochemical, infrared and ultrasonic. These devices are used to detect toxic and combustible gases in order to maintain safety during operations.
A key trend in oil and gas industry safety is employee reporting of occupational health and safety issues. In many workplaces, employees are expected to complete safety checks and security reports regularly, and many feel empowered to do so.
Like many worksites, oil and gas sites have potential hazards like falling from elevated platforms, slipping and tripping, and accidents due to lack of proper machine guarding.
The final day of the Pipeline and Energy Expo at the Cox Business Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma featured a keynote speech by Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin During her 25-minute speech, the Governor discussed industry safety.
The West Virginia Commission on Oil and Natural Gas Industry Safety met in late August for its second meeting. Gov. Earl Ray Tomblin formed the commission earlier this year to review state and federal regulations regarding safety in the oil and natural gas industry.
The American Petroleum Institute says it welcomes the federal government’s effort to align regulations for offshore well control with industry standards, but with a caveat: a warning that the unintended consequences of some elements of the proposed rule could make offshore operations less safe.
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