Avoiding Trip Hazards in the Oil and Gas Industry With the Use of Tapes

power plant

It is difficult to work in harsh environmental conditions, but that is unavoidable while working in an oil or gas industry. The slippery floors coupled with the tangled cables and cords are a means of constant trip hazard persisting in the premises at all times. On top of that, the brutal working hours and the physical nature of the tasks add to the agony. 

Oil and gas extraction workers are the ones most likely to be injured or killed on the job, according to statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor. Although modern advancements in technology have made workplaces significantly safer and more comfortable for the workers, the danger is still not entirely gone. 

Among all the brilliant solutions, tapes hold an important place. Many industries prioritize the use of tape to ensure that workers do not fall prey to unfortunate workplace accidents. Read this article for a comprehensive idea on the use of tape to avoid trips, slips, and falls in the oil and gas industry.

The Significance of Using Tapes in Oil and Gas Industries 

Tape is one of the key protective materials used in the oil and gas industries. Most employees working in these factories tend to work on ladders or at a substantial height - primary factors that lead to accidents Furthermore, such premises are usually not the best in terms of interior quality. Sharp objects like screws and nails lying on the floor are a common scenario in these places. Accidents are always right around the corner for workers dealing under such dangerous circumstances. 

Tape solves many of these problems with efficiency and ease. Unorganized cables, lying bare on the ground, are a serious trip hazard - if not life-threatening. The cables may be connected to a power source, or simply have incurred physical damage. Getting tangled into such wire can prove to be fatal and not just because of the fall. 

Tapes can be used to stick all the detached wiring together or as a sign for informing workers to tread carefully in such places. Velcro rolls and tape are especially good in these circumstances. These specialized adhesives have significant usage in other industries, like transportation, medication, trade and exhibit, and many more. 

Oil and water on slippery, steel surfaces might be a danger for employees who work in high-traffic settings. Metal products are generally covered in coatings that resist slipping. However, when these are subjected to the extreme elements of the oil and gas sector, these coatings rapidly start to wear off. Tape, especially Velcro, can be used to keep this from happening. 

On top of that, metal tends to corrode and start rusting once exposed to moisture. Needless to mention, oil and gas industries are the ideal locations for such corrosion as the atmosphere is usually grimy and humid. 

Using tape to seal the exposed metal and to prevent it from rusting is a smart technique implemented in many factories these days. Additionally, the tape can be used as a label to indicate dangers in the workplace and ensure workers stay away from such regions. 

Tips to Avoid Trips, Slips, and Falls in Oil and Gas Industry 

Large, established organizations tend to leave no stone unturned when it comes to workplace safety and security. They understand the true value of human resources and keeping them happy and protected is the ultimate step towards achieving maximum efficiency. Let us take a look at some tips to avoid trips, slips, and falls in the oil and gas industries. 

Arrange a Workshop to Educate the Employees on Workplace Safety Standards 

Just like investing in training directly contributes to the overall returns from the employees, knowing that keeping them safe makes a more significant effect. You need to ensure that communication is open and highly regarded. Take a personal approach to safety education, and devote time allowing employees to get accustomed to one another. While at work, forming strong interpersonal relationships with coworkers will inevitably lead to increased trust and camaraderie. 

Make the Workplace Familiar to the Employees 

You need to make the employees feel at home in the workplace. Achieving this will ensure the workers know what they are doing and in what places they are needed most. They will feel relatively easy maneuvering and will be aware of any recurring dangers. 

Ensure that all workers who are working are made aware of their duties, any hazardous situations they might encounter, and all safety guidelines before work initiates. During shift transitions and site changes, make sure procedures and dangers are discussed with the new employees. Various types of tape can be used to familiarize the workers with their work, the places they can access, and the pathways to avoid. 

Keep the Machinery Properly Maintained at All Times 

Operating heavy machinery in oil and gas refineries requires a certain level of skill set. These machines are the real money-makers, making it essential to keep them in top conditions at all times. 

This not only sustains the durability of the equipment but also contributes to the safety of the workers, as faulty machinery can lead to unforeseen accidents in the workplace. 

Many factory managers make it mandatory for their employees to use Velcro tapes for security when climbing a formidable height. Using tape in such conditions can essentially decide the severity of unfortunate accidents. 

Final Thoughts 

If you take a look at the heat map of oil and gas drilling in the US, you will come to realize there are several refineries and fracking sites active at the time of writing this article. Imagine the sheer number of employees working in harsh conditions, with or without using safety gears like tape and Velcro rolls. We believe, with proper guidelines and frequent awareness programs, the contemporary lack of safety can gradually be minimized.