For people who work in the Georgia oil and gas industry, there are inherent risks with the job. While most equate that with heavy tools, large equipment and colleagues and employers making mistakes, some of the biggest risks come from slips, trips and falls.
Recognizing how to avoid slip and fall accidents
In 2020, nearly one-quarter of non-fatal workplace injuries occurred when workers slipped, tripped and fell. Since it is so prevalent, some strategies can be effective in preventing these accidents, particularly in the oil and gas industry.
Workers are prone to falling down stairs, off platforms, and ladder accidents. Statistically, more than half of the oil and gas industry fatalities from 2005 to 2014 were when workers fell 30 feet or more. More than half of the deaths involved workers who were not properly equipped.
Oil and water frequently cause slips and falls. However, workers can also encounter items like extension cords, tools and equipment, creating a fall hazard. Specific steps employers can take to reduce slip and falls include:
- Ensuring workers have non-slip footwear, helmets and eye goggles
- Providing body harnesses and other fall prevention systems
- Making sure the walkways have non-slip mats
- Installing guardrails
Of course, there should be routine maintenance, inspections and extra layers of safety with backup fall protection.
Injured oil and gas workers should know their options
While knowing how slips, trips and falls happen in the oil and gas industry and awareness of the proper safety protocols can be helpful, it will not prevent all accidents. Injured workers may face medical expenses, lost time on the job and long-term problems. Knowing how to recover for all that was lost is imperative.