Despite TV programs such as Dirty Jobs portraying the oil and gas industry as one of the dirtiest places to work in, you still want to try your luck in an Oil Rig.
We cannot escape from the fact that the oil industry offers lots of lucrative opportunities. Therefore, despite getting your hands dirty, you go back home with a huge paycheck at the end of the day.
That said, never fear to work in this industry. It could be one of the wisest decisions you make in life.
But remember – Oil Rigs are deadly!
Oil rig safety is a topic that generated a hot debate across different platforms. According to a report, over 823 workers were killed on the job between 2003 and 2010 in the United States alone. This means that accidents in oil rigs kill thousands of people annually across the globe.
Now that you work in the Oil and gas industry, one of your goals is to go home every day and be with your loved ones. You want to continue doing the things you love, such as watching baseball and placing your MLB bets online, watching your favorite programs, traveling with family, and doing everything else that you love. To achieve this, you need to stay safe at all times!
But how do you keep yourself out of harm’s way in case of unexpected hazards? Below are some expert tips that will help you see another day.
- Wear Fall protection equipment at all times
Of course, you will be trained on how to navigate through heights, but accidents are deemed to happen, and most times, they cannot be prevented.
Since experience and bravery are not enough to protect you from injury all death, ensure you wear fall protection equipment every time you climb elevated places.
Essential fall protection equipment includes a body harness, connectors, anchor, and positioning lanyards.
If you want to ignore fall protection equipment, remember that the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC) shows that most fatalities in the oil and gas industry are due to falls.
- Watch out for struck-by hazards
When working on elevated heights, take extra precautions, and make sure your tools don't fall to lower levels.
To prevent struck-by hazards, attach tools to the platform structure or on your belt, additionally, wear harts and other essential PPEs, and perform routine inspections and replace any frayed or worn-out lines.
Struck by hazards often occur from high-pressure lines, falling equipment, or moving machinery. Take note of this whenever you go to work and take care!
- Try not to catch fire.
When working in an oil rig, try as much as possible not to catch fire.
Remember, you face risks of fires and explosions every day. There are limitless flammable products at your disposal, and the slightest spark could lead to fatalities.
To prevent fires, oil rigs need to;
- Install spark arrestors for all internal combustion engines
- Post “NO SMOKING” signs all over
- Find potential spark-producing equipment and facilities and keep them away from high-risk areas
- Ban open flames in hazardous areas
- Additionally, make sure you wear flame-resistant clothes that will protect you in case of a fire.
- Never sleep on the job – literally!
Sometimes, you work too much, and the only thing that can rejuvenate you is a quick nap.
If safety is your number one priority, DO NOT sleep on the job!
Get out of the rig and get some fresh air instead of sleeping on your desk. When disaster strikes and finds you in slumber, rest assured you will be counted among the victims of this misfortune. This is the last thing you want to experience, huh?
Learn how to manage fatigue and pass the knowledge to your fellow employees. Staying safe in an oil rig means the difference between life and death. When you choose the advice above, you choose life. Good luck!