Herein this article, we delved into Safety talk in the oil and gas industry and we also listed the safety talk topics for oil and gas workers.
What is the safety talk?
A safety talk is a hands-on way to remind workers that health and safety are important on the job. Each talk takes about five minutes and can help workers recognize and control hazards on the project. Safety talks demonstrate the commitment of employers and workers to health and safety.
One of the best ways to reduce incidents from hazards is to stay in constant communication with your workers. Safety toolbox talks offer the opportunity to remind your workers of the information they received in training.
These short conversations can have a major impact in strengthening your site’s safety culture and preventing accidents along the way.
some of the best safety talk topics for oil and gas work activities:
Struck-by/caught-in/caught-between
According to OSHA, three of every five on-site deaths in the oil and gas sector can be attributed to struck-by/caught-in/caught-between incidents. Here are some of the safety talk topics you might want to discuss regarding these hazards:
- Falling equipment hazards
- Working around high-pressure lines
- Moving vehicles and heavy machinery
- Securing suspended loads
- Setting up rig equipment for drilling
- Checking high-pressure lines for damaged connections
High-pressure lines and equipment
Anyone who works in the oil and gas industry understands the hazards that high-pressure lines and equipment pose. Here are some topics you can cover to remind your workers of those risks:
- Pressure vessel safety
- Erosion, leaks, or line bursts
- Line connections
- Whip crack installation
- Blowout prevention
Explosions, fires, and hazardous energy sources
Explosions and fires can occur on rigs when flammable gases, such as well gases, flammable vapors, or hydrogen sulfide ignite. These harmful substances can be released from wells, trucks, or equipment like tanks and shale shakers.
Here are some ignition sources you may want to talk about with your team:
- Static
- Frictional heat
- Hot surfaces
- Open flames
- Lightning
- Electrical energy sources
- Cutting and welding tools
Workers should watch for damaged equipment, extension cords, and disconnects to prevent electrical injuries. And they most definitely need reminders about performing proper lockout tagout procedures.
READ: NMDPRA Permits, Costs and Requirements
Confined spaces
Spaces where gases or vapors can build up, most notably empty tanks, drums, and containers, should be monitored to test for flammable atmospheres before starting any hot work.
Additional confined spaces like reserve pits and other excavated areas can also be where hazardous gases can settle. Again, testing for atmospheric flammability and toxicity should not be overlooked.
Falls from heights
Fall protection must be provided to prevent workers from falling from masts, drilling platforms, or other platforms on the rig high above the ground. During your oil and gas toolbox talks, remind workers how to:
- Inspection their fall protection PPE
- Tighten and secure safety harnesses
- Attach fall protection gear to anchor points
- Notice hazards or issues when working on elevated platforms
If working at heights is required, you can implement an additional system to verify that harnesses and lanyards are anchored before starting work.
Ergonomic hazards
Maintenance activities such as working on the wellhead, pulling and running rods, or pulling and running tubing can cause fatigue and stress.
Talk to your team about ergonomics topics like:
- How to lift objects safely
- Ways to avoid repetition injuries
- When to ask for help
- How to stretch properly
- How to identify the signs of injury/fatigue
Ergonomics awareness is essential given the physical demands of working in the oil and gas industry. Use some of these safety tips to plan your toolbox talks.
READ: Predictive maintenance plays crucial role in oil and gas industry
Machine hazards
In oil and gas, there are many different types of equipment that can be fatal if used or moved incorrectly. Some examples include:
- Rotating wellhead equipment
- Draw works
- Pumps
- Compressors
- Kelly drives
- Catheads
- Hoist blocks
- Belt wheels
- Conveyors
In Conclusion, you can do a safety talk for any single piece of equipment or combine them into one general talk about machine safety. One great point to make is the importance of protecting the body. Workers should ensure that all the proper guards are in place before using a machine.