Most Common Causes of Worker Fatalities on Oil Rigs

In the US alone, there are over 500,000 oil and gas workers, with another 400,000+ in the natural gas extraction sector of the oil and gas industry. Moreover, the number seems to be increasing with the US upping its crude oil production and exports. However, with this increased number of workers comes higher risks and the possibility of accidents onshore and offshore.
In fact, more accidents and fatalities have been recorded between 2000 and 2007 in multiple oil and gas offshore rigs. In fact, the number of fatalities in the oil and gas sector is about eight times more than in other high-risk sectors like construction and nuclear engineering. Pipeline accident fatalities alone between 2000 and 2009 was 161. That is an enormous number. The causes of these deaths often include
Contact With Equipments and Objects
Oil workers often have to work with dangerous equipment, rigs, metals, and chemicals. Under controlled and safe circumstances, this is not a problem. However, when there’s an equipment malfunction, things can go bad quick.
Transportation Incidents
The more common transport incidents include helicopter malfunction to and from the oil rig. Helicopter engine failures can result in crashes that often claim the lives of all aboard. In fact, data released by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicated that 38 percent of all offshore incidents between 2003 and 2007 were from helicopters whose engines failed.
Explosions and Fires
Blowouts cause many of the offshore fires and explosions. This can result in significant fatalities and injuries. For instance, BP’s Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill in 2010 was caused by an explosion that claimed the lives of 11 workers and injured many more.
Equipment Failure
Some of the equipments used on oil rigs and offshore platforms are dated. This means old parts, shortage of engineers capable of maintaining them, infrequent servicing, and fewer safeguards. This can result in accidents and fatalities on the rigs.
Increased Number of Inexperienced Workers
This is a major issue in the oil and gas industry. Because there’s a huge demand for the services of technicians and engineers, companies often just train their staff for just a few weeks – some as little as two weeks – before sending to the offshore rigs.
Even then, most of them have to work 12-hour shifts non-stop (workers may not be allowed lunch breaks). This can be counterproductive as most people are exhausted and tired after a few hours. So, workers without the proper experience and rest are more likely to make mistakes that can cause accidents and fatalities.
Tips on How to Prevent These Oil Rig Accidents
The best solution to these events is to take preventive measures in the first place. If proper safety protocols are carried and there’s adequate training for the workers, there will be fewer chances of workers making hazardous mistakes. The following are some of the best preventive measures:

• Equip workers appropriately with safety gears and clothing. All workers must always have their PPE on at all times.
• Stringent transportation guidelines and rules must be followed at all times. This will hopefully, help reduce lower the number of fatalities from helicopter accidents.
• All equipment must be frequently serviced and maintained
• The company must always employ highly skilled engineers and well-trained technicians.
• All new recruits must be properly trained and supervised by highly experienced supervisors. With the appropriate training and supervision, there are fewer chances of negligence and unintentional harm on the rig.
• Necessary precautions must always be taken to ensure that the rig is safe and secure for all workers.
• All oil and gas firms must comply with the OSHA Guidelines
• Workers should be given periodic breaks in between long shifts. Oil and gas firms may also cut down on the length of time required for long shifts. This makes sense because workers who work very long shifts -72-96 hours- are usually overworked, underfed and prone to making mistakes.

Sources:
http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm6216a2.htm
http://stateimpact.npr.org/texas/2012/02/06/drillings-dangers-what-might-reduce-worker-deaths/
http://www.bls.gov/iif/oshwc/osh/os/osar0013.htm
About Author: The writer of this article, Oscar King, is a blogger who focuses on health and safety topics, particularly in the oil industry. He recognizes the importance of having quality software and training, and so highly recommends advanced safety software from eCompliance. You can learn more about Oscar on Google+.