January 2015, Vol. 242, No. 1
In The News
OSHA Inks Alliance To Protect E&P Workers
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) signed a two-year alliance with the National Service, Transmission, Exploration & Production Safety Network and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health to prevent injuries, illnesses and fatalities among workers in the exploration and production sector of the oil and gas industry.
Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health Dr. David Michaels signed the agreement prior to his keynote address at the Oil & Gas Safety and Health Conference in Houston where over 2,100 industry representatives, safety and health organizations, and educators gathered to collaborate on ways to improve safety in the oil and gas industry.
“Too many oil and gas industry workers are being hurt or killed on the job,” said Michaels. “These tragedies are preventable and we need to work together to address hazards, prevent injuries and save lives.”
The rapid growth of employment in the industry has been coupled with rising worker fatalities. In 2013, 112 workers were killed in the oil and gas industry, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics. Most fatalities occurred among workers with less than one year on the job. Workers face a number of hazards such as motor vehicle crashes, fires and explosions, electrocution and exposure to respirable silica.
Through the alliance, the participants will develop fact sheets and videos on the leading causes of fatalities in oil and gas exploration and production, provide OSHA materials and training resources for employers and workers, and support oil and gas safety stand-downs.
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