Employers Need to Step Up for Safety Posted on May 8, 2017June 23, 2021 by Kyle Schmidt Falls are a leading cause of injury in the oil and gas extraction industry, but they’re hardly the only safety hazard that needs to be accounted for. Employers can help by making an effort to ‘Step Up’ for safety. To help combat a growing number of injuries and fatalities, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration created its Step Up for Safety in the Upstream Oil and Gas Industry program. While the program’s main events were held in early 2016, the ideas, focus topics and safety protocols ring true today, tomorrow and every day in the future. Let’s take a look at some of OSHA’s focus topics and how employers can improve safety conditions: Falls OSHA requires employers equip work sites with fall protection gear such as guard rails, toe-boards, ladders and harnesses. Supplying equipment is one thing; teaching employees how to use it is another. The Step Up for Safety program recommended employers set aside time to talk to workers about safety equipment. These “toolbox talks” can be a good method to hold critical discussions about safety and training in an informal or casual setting. These talks can also discuss other OSHA action plans such as how to avoid or limit slips, trips and falls. According to EHS Today, thousands of employers participated in the 2016 Step Up for Safety event. There’s no reason why any company should neglect fall safety. Silica Silica is considered a hidden danger in the oil and gas industry, according to Canvas. It’s also one of the recommended focus topics by OSHA, which said the substance is dangerous due to the potential for someone to develop silicosis or other lung diseases after inhaling it. During toolbox talks, employers should talk with workers about silica sources and what to look out for. Silica is usually generated from: Dust ejected from sand movers during refilling operations, also known as hot loading Vehicle traffic A sand mover’s transfer belt Open side fill ports on sand movers Employers should ensure air qualities meet the newest standards. According to OSHA, the new permissible exposure limit for an 8-hour work day is 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air. Fire and Explosions Workers face the risk of fire and explosions because they’re working with or around flammable vapors or gases. OSHA stated flammable gases may be released from trucks, wells, production equipment or shale shakers. Toolbox talks should focus on reminding employees about flammable gases and ignition sources such as hot surfaces, electrical energy or open flames. Talks may help increase awareness of hazardous situations. If talks aren’t enough, employers can also organize regular training sessions. Employers in the oil and gas extraction industry need to take safety seriously. By following OSHA’s Step Up For Safety program, companies will be able to highlight particular areas of concern and the steps employees can take to reduce the risk of accidents. Toolbox talks are only part of a larger safety initiative companies should follow to help remind employees about dangerous situations. Safety programs will go a long way toward improving safety. Read more: Prevention of Serious Injuries Starts At the Top How To Create Engaging Safety Lessons Breathing Easier: OSHA Releases Final Rule Regarding Silica OSHA Highlights Fall Prevention 6 Ways to Enhance Your Safety Training Talk About Safety: There is Never a Bad Time Best Practices to Ensure Ladder Safety E-commerce offerings: (Contact a Customer Service Representative for additional selections, options, and solutions) Safety and PPE Protective Clothing Warning Lights Ladders Fall Protection Respiratory Protection Call and let us help meet all of your supply needs (866-483-7289). Did you know that any customer is eligible for online ordering? All you need to do is fill out this online form. Key benefits include: Order anytime, 24/7, 365 days a year. If you can connect, you can place an order. Create order templates, aka “My Lists.” Reduce search time, click, order, done. Track purchase history and view your account information. You can review invoices any time, track purchase history, and print or download records.
