Table of Contents
Introduction
The oil and gas industry faces risks and downtimes, which come with unique workplace challenges.
Our research gave us some appalling information.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) severe injuries reports include work-related injuries from establishments under federal OSHA jurisdiction that result in an amputation, loss of an eye, or inpatient hospitalization. Data from 32 jurisdictions were examined to determine oil and gas extraction industry-specific severe industry trends from January 2015 to July 2022, using the 2012 North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) codes for oil and gas extraction. During this period, 2,101 severe work-related injuries were reported in this sector. Among these severe work-related injuries, well-service contract workers’ injuries included the highest number of amputations (417) and hospitalizations (1,194), accounting for 20% and 57%, respectively, of all severe injuries reported. Overall, 895 (43%) of all severe injuries reported involved upper extremities.
Contract workers in the service and drilling subindustries (NAICS codes 213112 and 213111, respectively) experienced disproportionately more work-related injuries than those in the operation subindustry (NAICS code 211). These injuries could be preventable by including contractors in worksite safety plans that administer the hierarchy of controls, are within an effective safety management system, and provide consistent safety training on work equipment, personal protective equipment, and daily site safety meetings that increase safety culture
(Source: CDC GOV)
Therefore, upgrading the safety systems and ensuring contract workers are also included in the workplace safety plans is essential. This can be done by making proactive risk assessment part of the safety culture.
What happened cannot be controlled, but what can happen can be changed. Therefore, proactive risk assessment will help evaluate the past, present, and future to calculate the risks and enhance safety solutions.
The Importance of Proactive Risk Assessment
Proactive risk assessment involves anticipating potential hazards and implementing controls to prevent accidents. This approach contrasts with reactive methods, which focus on addressing issues only after they occur. And when it comes to safety proactive risk assessment is setting successful steps.
In oil and gas, proactive strategies are essential for:
For example, if the train for drilling is completely assessed and examined by technology tools before the drilling begins, it will help to avert accidents, save equipment damage, calculate environmental risks, and also ensure that the process is cost—and time-effective.
If one proactive task can manage so many activities, we can only imagine how safety will escalate if all oil and gas sector tasks are proactively managed.
Now, what can be done for proactive risk assessment, and what are the factors that can help it? Let’s explore.
The Impact
Oil and gas companies that leverage EHS software for proactive risk assessments have reported significant benefits. The change is easily visible.
Some of them are;
From chemical management to industrial ergonomics and from safety processes to contractor management, comprehensive EHS software is said to provide the best benefits for the oil and gas industry.
This industry has so much risk, and workplaces are located in such intense regions that an automated safety system with proactive risk assessment will not only help avoid incidents but also respond quickly in emergencies.
Why TECH EHS?
TECH EHS experts have addressed unique challenges in the oil and gas industry. Our team has efficiently addressed everything from PTW challenges to safety processes and even automated the processes. Our clients range from local to international companies. Thus, we have experience handling challenges at every level.
As the oil and gas sector continues to evolve, integrating TECH EHS software within current systems will further enhance risk management. Companies that have adopted these tools have safeguarded their workers and the environment and built resilient and sustainable businesses.
Conclusion
Proactive risk assessments enabled by EHS software provide a structured, data-driven approach to identifying and mitigating hazards before they lead to significant accidents.
As technology advances, the role of EHS software will only grow more critical. By adopting these tools, the oil and gas industry can foster a safety-first culture while meeting the challenges of an ever-changing operational landscape. Investing in proactive risk management today ensures a safer, more sustainable future for tomorrow.
