When did safety start in the oil and gas industry?
The oil and gas industry has a long and complex history of safety. It’s quite common for people to ask when did safety start in the oil and gas industry. The exact date is unknown but it definitely started in the late 19th century when the industry was first established, but it wasn’t until the early 20th century that safety became a priority. This was due to increased awareness of the potential dangers associated with working in this hazardous environment.
Since then, safety has been at the forefront of oil and gas operations. The industry has implemented a variety of measures to ensure that workers are safe while carrying out their jobs. This includes developing safety protocols, providing training for employees, and utilizing technological advances to improve operational efficiency and reduce risk.
What is safety in the oil and gas industry?
Safety is of paramount importance in the oil and gas industry. It is essential to ensure that workers are safe from potential hazards and risks associated with the industry. According to Bandas Law Firm, there were a total of 580 lost workday cases reported back in 2021, that’s why companies must take proactive steps to ensure that all safety protocols are followed and that employees are properly trained on the best practices for working in hazardous environments.
Safety in the oil and gas industry over the years:
The First Boom Days: This period saw a rapid expansion of production and exploration, leading to an increase in industrial accidents, injuries, and fatalities. The dangers associated with working in the oil and gas industry were not well known at this time, leading to an alarming number of workers being injured or killed due to negligence or lack of safety protocols.
- The Black Gold Age: It refers to the period in which oil and gas industry labor was at its peak. This time, saw an incredible amount of growth and development within the industry. Unfortunately, it also saw a significant number of deaths due to workplace accidents. According to statistics reported by the U.S. Department of Labor in 1913, there were 23,000 deaths due to workplace accidents. This number is staggering and speaks volumes about the dangers associated with working in this field at that time.
- The War Years: It was a defining period of history that changed the course of the world. It was during these wars that new technologies were developed, yet these technologies weren’t used in addition to the total death numbers in the oil and gas industry in harsher areas such as the Gulf area and Mexico.
- The End of The Cold War until present: The Piper Alpha disaster in 1988 was a major turning point in the development of a culture of safety in the oil and gas industry. Companies began to take a serious look at their safety protocols and processes and began to develop an understanding that safety must be taken seriously. This led to the development of a defined culture of safety within the industry towards the end of the 1960s, with companies taking steps to ensure that all employees are aware of their roles and responsibilities when it comes to workplace safety. This culture has been further refined over time, leading to improved levels of safety across all areas of oil and gas operations.
What are the most common accidents in the oil and gas industry?
The oil and gas industry is one of the most hazardous industries in the world, accidents can happen quickly and without warning especially with highly flammable materials and complex machinery, and all the dangerous equipment within the oil or gas rigs. The most common accidents in the oil and gas industry are:
- Fires
- Explosions
- Falls and Slips
- chemical spills
- Transportation Accidents
These accidents can cause serious injuries or even death to workers on site. Companies need to take all necessary safety measures to prevent these incidents from occurring.
Did technology improve safety in the oil and gas industry?
With the rise of new technologies, safety is becoming increasingly improved. Technologies such as drones, digital twin technology, AI and predictive models, inspection software, and novel automation techniques are all working together to help create a safer environment for workers in the oil and gas industry.
- Drones can be used for surveillance purposes to identify hazardous areas or potential risks before they become a problem. Digital twin technology allows for virtual simulations of operations so that any potential problems can be identified before they occur.
- AI and predictive models are being used to detect anomalies that could lead to accidents or fatalities faster than ever before. Inspection software helps ensure that equipment is properly maintained and up to date on all safety requirements.
- Novel automation techniques are being developed that reduce the need for humans in hazardous areas while still maintaining efficiency levels.
What is beXel's impact on safety improvement in the oil and gas industry safety improvement in 2023?
beXel always has the right solution for problems in the oil and gas industries. Our software programs are carefully designed to work as inspectors, supervisors, and coordinators! We are always keen to develop our programs to keep up with the latest technologies to guarantee the delivery of the best quality for our clients. You can request your own demo to learn more about:
- Lifting Inspection
- NDT Inspection
- Tubular Inspection
- Asset Management Software
- DROPS Survey
- Job Order Management
In conclusion, the evolution of safety in the oil and gas industry is an ongoing process, as new technologies emerge, and regulations become more stringent. As such, companies in this sector need to stay up to date with changes to remain compliant with laws and regulations while also ensuring that their employees are safe from harm.
