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Introduction

Module 1

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DisclaimerThis material was produced under grant

number SH-22248-1 from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S.

Department of Labor. It does not necessarily reflect the views or policies of

the U.S. Department of Labor, nor does mention of trade names, commercial

products, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.

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Oil and Gas Industry Process

Site Preparation

Drilling

Production

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Event Causing Fatality*

Event Number Percentage

struck by object/equipment 81 31%

caught in/between objects/equipment 38 15%

explosion 35 14%

falls 27 10%

contact with electricity 25 10%

transportation accidents 25 10%

fire 19 7%

exposure to harmful environments (heat, air pressure, poisonous substances, confined space)

9 3%

*oil and gas industry fatality data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2005-2008

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Worker Activity When Fatality Occurred*

Worker Activity Number Percentage

repair/maintenance 37 14%

construction, assembling, dismantling 35 14%

materials handling operations 34 13%

operating heavy equipment 32 12%

operating tools/machinery 32 12%

transportation 20 8%

physical (climbing, reaching, etc.) 16 6%

inspecting 15 6%

flagging/working around traffic 13 5%

cleaning/clearing/painting 13 5%

other 12 5%

*oil and gas industry fatality data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) 2005-2008

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Why is OSHA Important to You?

• OSHA was created because, until 1970, there were no national laws for safety and health hazards

• On average, 15 workers die every day from job-related injuries

• Over 5,600 Americans die from workplace injuries annually

• Over 4 million non-fatal workplace injuries and illnesses are reported

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What Rights Do You Have Under OSHA?

• You have the right to– a safe and healthful workplace – know about hazardous chemicals– information about injuries and illnesses in your

workplace – complain or request hazard correction from employer – training– hazard exposure and medical records– file a complaint with OSHA– participate in an OSHA inspection– be free from retaliation for exercising safety and health

rights

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see pages 255-260

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Refusing to Work Because Conditions are Dangerous

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What Responsibilities Does Your Employer Have Under OSHA?

• Provide a workplace free from recognized hazards and comply with OSHA standards

• Provide training required by OSHA standards• Keep records of injuries and illnesses• Provide medical exams when required by OSHA

standards and provide workers access to their exposure and medical records

• Not discriminate against workers who exercise their rights under the Act [Section 11(c)]

• Post OSHA citations and abatement verification notices• Provide and pay for PPE

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What do the OSHA Standards Say?

• OSHA standards fall into four categories: General Industry, Construction, Maritime, and Agriculture

• OSHA issues standards for a wide variety of workplace hazards

• Where there are no specific OSHA standards, employers must comply with the General Duty Clause, Section 5(a)(1)

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What Standards Apply to the Oil and Gas Industry?

• OSHA doesn’t have a specific oil and gas standard

• The standard that applies will depend on the work activity– most site prep work falls under 29 CFR 1926

Construction– most drilling and production activities fall

under 29 CFR 1910 General Industry– in addition to OSHA:

• API RP 54, Recommended Practice for Occupational Safety for Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing Operations*

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How Are OSHA Inspections Conducted?

• The OSHAct authorizes OSHA compliance safety and health officers (CSHO’s) to conduct workplace inspections at reasonable times

• OSHA conducts inspections without advance notice, except in rare circumstances (e.g. - imminent danger)

• In fact, anyone who tells an employer about an OSHA inspection in advance can receive fines and a jail term

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Check Out OSHA’s Website

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OSHA’s Oil and Gas e-Tool

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Memory Check1. What is the OSHA website URL?

a. safety.comb. osha.govc. niosh.govd. none of the above

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Memory Check2. What should you do if you believe

working conditions are unsafe or unhealthful?

a. keep it to yourself and forget about itb. call the county board of healthc. notify your employer first and then OSHA if

necessaryd. go straight to OSHA

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Memory Check3. What responsibilities does your

employer have under OSHA?a. provide a workplace free from recognized

hazards and comply with OSHA standardsb. provide training required by OSHA

standardsc. not discriminating against workers who

exercise their rights under the Act [Section 11(c)]

d. all of the above