Best Oil Field Safety Practices
Here at Cesar Ornelas Law, we know that some accidents just happen, but many mistakes made on oil rigs can lead to massive injuries or damage. The more you know about safe industry practices, the fewer mistakes will be made and the risk of danger will be reduced.
Most of the causes of oil field accidents can be attributed to disregard for safety procedures or lack of proper training. Our professional team wants to provide as much information as we can about the best on-the-job practices that might just save your life.
Avoid Unnecessary Risks
It may seem obvious to try and avoid danger at all costs, but accidents do not usually result from intentional risk of life and limb. In the interest of working faster and more efficiently, you may cut corners you deem insignificant or rush to get a job done. When you become too comfortable with your surroundings you might provoke an accident by negligence, it is easy to forget that every single action has the potential to become a big incident.
Repairing a small leak can easily turn deadly or taking on a two-man job by yourself may seem easy at the moment, but any drop of your tools or miscalculated movement can cause a spark around inflammatory chemicals. There are a host of small actions that could have negative consequences for both you and your team.
Follow Safety Regulations
One of the number one ways that safe practices are overlooked or ignored is simply through distraction. You get busy, you get comfortable with your routine, you begin to assume things are safe when they aren’t and your lapse in attention is the perfect moment for an oil accident to occur.
While on the job, you must do your very best to stay focused on every single action you take. Whether you are dealing with hazardous materials or driving a vehicle on the property, stay alert and treat every single situation with caution.
Be Aware of Industry Signs
When there is a lack of employee training on an oil refinery or rig, important knowledge about industry signs and warnings is missing from some of the team members. In dangerous workplaces, it is really important that everyone be fully aware of how to tell what level of danger different areas are.
When approaching any area with green signs and information it is usually safety procedures such as where the first aid is located. It may seem minor to pay attention to these warnings, but in the event of exposure to harmful chemicals knowing where the eyewash or first aid kit it could save your life.
Most areas with yellow markings signify caution. This may include warnings about upcoming hazards like slipping hazards, crane loads present, flammable materials or eye protection recommendations.
Any signs or warnings marked in red point to high-risk dangers. For untrained or new employees, entering these areas without knowing the dangers they face could be fatal. The threat of immediate danger is serious and needs to be understood by every single crew member.
Always Wear Safety Equipment
Not only is safety gear made for a reason, but when in areas marked by yellow or red, your equipment could literally save you from catastrophic injury. Make sure you are well aware of the clothing, shoes, eye protection, skin protection, and lung protection methods available to you. If you do not have access to the proper equipment, you need to make sure your employer supplies it for you.
Were You Injured Due To Improper Safety Procedures?
If your employer does not adhere to the proper safety regulations set forth by federal and state laws, including not providing adequate training or equipment, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Cesar Ornelas Law is the team to trust for any workplace injury or personal injury in the oil industry. Our highly trained oil field accident attorneys can handle your case professionally and provide you with the support you need. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Helpful Resources
What Can An Oil Field Injury Attorney Do?