Why Do We Have Accidents

That is simple question that requires a complex answer.  I will attempt to answer the question in parts, from the most relevant to the least, and remember….this is just my opinion.

1.  Lack of Training:  Historically Roughnecks got very little training and that is pretty much true today.  Drilling companies today may have annual, semi-annual or even monthly training and they think that is enough because it is a lot more than they used to have, but it is not - obviously.  Here is a rule of thumb; “train, train, train and then do some more training.  That is your way out of an accident problem.

2.  Fatigue:  Roughnecking is one of the most physically demanding jobs in the oilfield.  It is akin to Football or back to back games of basketball.  We have increased the demands on the employees by shortening drilling times with technology and higher expectations on rig maintenance.  Yet we have no “sports therapy” department and little concern to that end anyway.  When these guys get fatigued they start to make poor decisions.  The only way to head that off is to be talking to them constantly (see #1). 

3.  Lack of Hands-On Management: The company expects today’s employees to “Cowboy Up” just like they had to do.  You are missing the point – this is a different generation you are dealing with.  They are smarter and less eager and don’t “Cowboy up as well as us “Baby Boomers” did.  You need people there, on the rig, talking to and advising them to; a) Be tough b) Watch what you are doing c) make better personal decisions.  You must mentor them! 

4.  Un-Qualified Management:  Many rigs have Drillers and Toolpushers who have little experience.  They can run the rig well and keep everything going but have no management training about how to deal with employees.  You should constantly train the managers.  This is what makes Wal-Mart a success.  They are constantly re-training their employees.  They expect it as the price of doing business and you should too.

5.  Drugs & Alcohol:  You probably see Drugs and Alcohol as your #1 or #2 problem but I don’t.  If you had well-trained people they would be able to recognize problems like that and would naturally hemorrhage out the employees who have Drug and Alcohol problems (see #1).

6.  Prosperity:  We are in a boom and we do not have 6 hands waiting to take their place like we did during the last boom.  The whole country is prosperous.  They don’t need the oilfield like we did.  They want a more exciting and relevant work experience.  Give it to them.  Constantly tell them about the importance of developing domestic oil and gas.  Give them a purpose more than just making money.  They can do that other places.  Men work primarily for self-esteem and secondly for money.  This is true – ask a psychologist.

7.  Boredom:  After years of doing this job the employees may get bored.  Recognize this and head it off with training.

The Bottom Line is training.  If you want my advice, find and buy every training program that you can make fit your operation.  Get your employees heading in the right direction.  When they get bored re-train them and remind them of their purpose.

1. Know the location of all fire extinguishers.

Know which extinguisher contains the right fire-fighting agent for each type of fire:

Class A — wood & paper products

Class B — flammable liquids

Class C — electrical equipment

2. Always wear eye protection.

Even if you’re not doing anything, other people are and a flying piece of wood or metal from their job can easily injure you.

3. Always clean up sawdust;

It can be just as slippery as a spilled liquid, oil or grease.

4. Don’t use screwdrivers as chisels or pry bars.

5. Never carry sharp tools in your pockets.

6. Wear suitable clothing.

Remove or fasten loose clothing, neckties, or jewelry. Roll loose sleeves to elbows if you are working with rotating machines.

7. Don’t work with oily or greasy hands.

8. Plan your work before you start.

Ask for help before you start your job. Don’t wait until you’re in trouble.

9. Secure all small work & short work in a vise or with a clamp.

10. Don’t pry or hammer with a file. It may shatter.

11. Securely fasten long hair or hair styles that could create a hazard, or wear a hair cover.

12. Handle all sheet metal carefully. A metal edge can be as sharp as a knife.

13. Handle sharp-edged tools & pointed tools with care.

Carry pointed tools with the points down. Carry all tools so they don’t pose a danger to the people around you.

14. Report any equipment that doesn’t seem to work properly.

15. Report all injuries - no matter how slight - When they occur.

Even if it doesn’t seem serious, it can become infected days later if not properly treated.

16. Wear the proper safety equipment for the job.

17. Keep the aisles clear.

Don’t leave extension cords where someone could trip over them. If they must go across an aisle, fasten them to the floor.

18. Place oily rags & other combustible materials in approved metal containers.

19. Cut away from yourself when you use chisels and other edged tools.

20. Don’t distract or crowd around people while they’re working.

Fire only occurs when prevention fails

What is a Risk Assessment

A risk assessment is the systematic identification of potential hazards in the work place by personnel as a first step to controlling the possible risks involved.

A hazard is anything that has the potential to cause harm.

A risk is the likelihood of someone being exposed to that hazard and harmed as a result.

Risk assessments must be in place for all This Corporation operations.

The risk assessment should assess the risk that may be present in all work activities, and may identify particular areas for more detailed 'specific' assessments.

A duty of care is owed to the individual, and risk assessment must take this into account. Therefore a person with special needs (such as people with physical or learning difficulties, young persons and pregnant women) will require an assessment of their activities which take their special needs into account

 

Extracted from Health & Safety Manual 

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First Aid

The company will provide first aid facility in accordance with the requirements current National standards. The nominated first aiders will be published on the notice board.

If you suffer an injury, however slight, report it to your manager and the nominated first aider at once. The injury must be entered in the accident book and you will be required to provide a full explanation of the events surrounding the accident.

If a serious accident occurs the first aider should be contacted at once. The first aider will arrange for an ambulance to be summoned immediately.

If chemicals come into contact with your skin or eyes or if they are swallowed or inhaled then seek immediate first aid. Your supervisor will have access to the company assessments within this manual which provide detailed advice on the measures to be taken to counteract the effects of each chemical used by the company

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Electrical Safety

Ensure that all electrical equipment you use is in good order. Do not use any electrical equipment that does not appear to be in good order but report it to your supervisor without delay.

Changes to the electrical system (including new plugs) should only be undertaken by competent persons who have been trained and all works required should be reported to the safety officer.

Work on 3 phase electrical systems or live plant must never be undertaken by unqualified personnel and live working requires a specific risk assessment to be undertaken.

General Safety Requirements For Electrical Systems

·         Switch off all electrical equipment after use. Do not overload sockets.

·         Do not allow wires to project into the walkways where they present a tripping hazard.

·         Use a residual circuit breaker when operating a portable hand tool.