Challenge To Focus On Worker Safety In Lean Times
Amid fears of job security, workers may ignore safety practices, which may adversely impact their health and endanger their lives. The rising number of job losses in the oil and gas industry has put workers on a tenterhook. Many workers prefer taking shortcuts to complete their work, without giving a second thought to safety guidelines.
The need of the hour is for safety professionals and those how work in health and safety oil and gas jobs, who are responsible for maintaining the health and safety of workers, to monitor the mental state of workers constantly.
Tom Musick said in a recent Link:
“In uncertain times, achieving safety is no easy feat. Oilfield workers may be distracted by fears about their job security. Others might feel pressure to take shortcuts and rush a task rather than take the time to perform it safely. They know that many unemployed peers would love their job, and they don’t want to provide any reason to be replaced.
Safety manuals offer guidance on policies, processes and tangible equipment. But it’s equally important for safety professionals to be aware of their workers’ mental state, experts say.”
Industry Bodies Collaborate To Improve Worker Safety
The industry is taking this issue seriously. Safety of oil and gas workers acquires importance and this is why leading industry bodies including OSHA, the Department of Environmental Protection and the Department of Transportation had a meeting in Fairmont to discuss and find ways to improve safety of employees at the workplace. They raised concerns of worker safety involved in construction and drilling.
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As a recent Link reveals, while job security is important, safety cannot take a backseat. The commission is expected to meet again in Wheeling later this month. These regular meetings will help improve working conditions for workers employed in the oil and gas industry and construction industry.
It is the responsibility of the management and safety professionals to ensure the safety of workers in the oil and gas industry. The safety of workers cannot be undermined at any cost. Although there may be many pressures in the workplace, given the lean times experienced by the oil and gas industry, safety cannot be relegated to the back seat. When the safety of workers is guaranteed, it will boost the productivity levels and lead to better job satisfaction at the workplace.