Oil and gas extraction is one of the highest-paid sectors in the United States and one of the most hazardous, with a fatality rate of 28.8 per 100,000 workers. 

By harnessing the power of advanced technologies like digital processes and automation, you can improve safety and reduce risks associated with these five common hazards in oil and gas extraction.

1. Transportation Incidents

Did you know that motor vehicle crashes account for 40% of oil and gas worker fatalities? While aspects such as roadway conditions are beyond your control, you can use mobile forms to build driver safety and vehicle inspection checklists that enforce safety standards across your company.

2. Struck-by or caught in between objects and equipment

The majority of oil and gas industry worker fatalities are caused by transportation incidents or contact with objects and equipment. With our customizable mobile templates, you are empowered to perform checklist-driven inspections that equip you to identify defective equipment, keep up with machinery maintenance schedules, enforce employee safety protocols, and more.

3. Fire and explosions

In 2021, mining industries accounted for 10% of all fire-related deaths in private industry. To safeguard against this significant hazard, deploy mobile checklists to evaluate rig or well design (passive protection) before zeroing in on safety training and equipment maintenance (active protection).

4. Falls

With about two-thirds of drilling and well-servicing employees frequently working at elevations, falls are a leading danger in the oil and gas industry. Minimize injury and death from harness failure, slippery conditions, and unstable platforms by implementing employee training and enforcing on-site safety protocols using mobile technology. 

5. Confined spaces

In confined spaces such as storage tanks, boilers, ducts, pits, and pipelines, oil and gas workers may encounter everything from toxic chemicals to exposed wires. To uphold safety in these hazardous areas, the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires permits, testing, continuous monitoring, and worker training—all of which can be facilitated by mobile solutions.

GoCanvas offers digital and automated safety compliance and asset management solutions to help you safeguard your employees, worksites, and assets. Our customizable mobile forms can be created from scratch or based on pre-built templates.

Hungry for more? Read the full eBook.

Take a deeper dive into these five common oil and gas extraction hazards by accessing the full eBook.