Page 19 - OHS, July/August 2024

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Recent studies highlight the high incidence of severe injuries among contract workers in the oil and gas industry, with more than 93 percent involving contractors.
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To address these issues, experts recommend that oil and gas opera- tors integrate contract workers into comprehensive safety manage- ment plans and enhance training on job hazards and equipment use. Despite some improvements in safety practices, the industry’s injury and fatality rates remain high compared to other sectors, underscoring the need for ongoing vigilance and improved safety protocols.
Head injuries in oil and gas industries are preventable if proper measures are taken to reduce the risks and hazards. Some of the recommendations include:
■ Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as helmets, goggles, gloves, and respirators.
■ Consider side impact injuries (as well as struck from above) when choosing hard hats.
■ Choose technologically advanced side impact controls and chin straps available on some newer Type II climbing style helmets. ■ Wear helmets securely to help increase the level of protec-
tion in the event of a fall.
■ Ensure straps are worn correctly and not loose on the wear-
er’s chin.
■ Follow the safety rules and regulations, such as lockout/ta-
gout, confined space entry, and emergency response.
■ Inspect and maintain the equipment and tools and report
any defects or malfunctions.
■ Use caution and awareness when working at heights, near
moving objects, or in flammable or toxic environments.
■ Seek medical attention and report any head injuries, no mat-
ter how minor they may seem.
■ Participate in training and education programs on head in-
jury prevention and management
Susan Silver is a Senior Copywriter for Honeywell with vast product knowledge that she applies to vertical industries, helping to protect all workers.
REFERENCE
Severe Work-Related Injuries in the Oil and Gas Extraction Industry — 32 Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration Jurisdictions, United States, January 2015–July 2022,” Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), CDC.
www.ohsonline.com
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