Those who work in Canada’s oilfields are at risk of many different types of injury and illness if proper safety measures are not taken or are ignored. Here are just a few of the most common hazards to these professionals – and how Alberta oilfield construction companies can help cut down on all of them.
Getting Stuck in, Caught by or Caught Between Things
Of the deaths that occur annually at oilfield sites, the majority of those happen because employees become trapped in, under or between heavy objects. This is thankfully avoidable by observing proper safety measures. Protective gear should be worn at all times, and emergency braking should be possible for all machinery. No worker should work in any area unsupervised so that other staff members can assist in the event of these occurrences.
Fire, Electrical Hazards, and Explosions
Because of the nature of fossil fuel extraction, employees of oilfields are at risk of fire and explosion more than workers in many other industries. Personal protective equipment should be worn at all times to prevent serious injury from these occurrences.
Trips and Falls
Trips and falls are common in the oilfield industry, especially when safety protocol is not correctly followed. Fall protection gear should be used whenever practical, including during work on overhead equipment, pathways and other places where falls are common.
Mechanical Hazards and Vehicle Collisions
The machinery used on oilfield sites is large and can be extremely dangerous. Machine and vehicular safety is an important part of employee training, as is the creation and use of machine and area guards. Rails and other guards are typically used to keep employees at a safe and reasonable distance, so they do not become injured. Employees should also understand the markings used to designate safe areas for vehicles to be used and those which are best for walking to avoid contact with vehicles.
Oilfield construction in Alberta makes every effort to cut down on hazards encountered and injuries sustained by oilfield employees. The companies that build today’s oilfields are looking forward with new technology and techniques to create safer, healthier futures for every employee and consumer.
