Many Texas employees work on oil and gas rigs, which happens to be one of the most dangerous types of work in the United States. Whether you’re new to the industry or have been a rig worker for many years, you no doubt understand how critical safety training is to avoiding on-the-job injuries. Your employer is obligated to provide such training as well as any and all information and available equipment to lower your risk for injuries in the workplace.
As an oil or gas rig employee, you’re likely aware of a tool used in the industry called the “job hazard analysis.” The purpose of this analysis is to identify potential hazards on a specific rig and within a specific job position. Not only can you determine potential hazards of what might go wrong while carrying out your duties, but the job hazard analysis also helps determine the likelihood of such hazards occurring.
Various hazards that place you at risk on an oil or gas rig
If you work on a Texas oil or gas rig, you often face exposure to chemicals. Diesel particulate matter is a common chemical produced from diesel used to power vehicles and heavy machinery on rigs. If engines that run on diesel do not receive proper maintenance or exhaust filters are not replaced or cleaned in a timely manner, DPM can have adverse effects on your health.
If you’re experiencing headaches or nose and eye irritation, you may want to discuss these issues with your employer because these symptoms are often suggestive of high concentration DPM exposure, which can have serious adverse health effects, including cancer.
There are many fire hazards on oil and gas rigs
You must be fully aware and cautious of all known fire hazards on the job when working on an oil or gas rig. If you have a flammable substance in your possession, you must be in an approved location. You must also wear fireproof clothing provided by your employer.
Accidents can occur if someone fails to adhere to safety rules, such as lighting a lighter in an area not approved for use of flammable products. Accidents involving static electricity, open flames, hot surfaces or lightning can result in severe, even fatal, injuries.
Drivers are at particularly high risk for injuries
If you transport materials in a commercial vehicle under employment at an oil or gas rig company, you’ll want to note that four out of every 10 fatal accidents in your industry occur in connection to motor vehicle accidents.
There are also many environmental safety hazards in the oil and gas rig industry. From possible hearing loss to hypothermia or heat stroke, if you do not receive proper training or receive equipment needed to stay safe, you are at risk for serious injuries. If a workplace accident occurs, it’s important to know where to seek immediate support.