Why Safety Is A Major Concern For Truckers Who Move Crude

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While it is widely acknowledged that working in the oil and gas industry raises serious health and safety concerns, a recent report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) highlights the risks associated with transportation. The number of fatalities related to transportation of crude oil is significantly high. Those in positions like Health and safety adviser jobs need to review the health and safety conditions of workers involved in the transportation of oil and gas. This article explains the need for better safety practices and tighter legislation for safer work conditions of truckers.

Most Fatalities Tied To Transportation

The oil and gas industry is a high hazard industry, as per a recent report by BLS. The report has revealed that the overall rate of fatal injuries in the oil and industry is more than five for every 100,000 full-time workers. Since workers operate large equipment that is also dangerous, it raises serious safety concerns for them.

When workers travel from one work site to another in the oilfield, they often do not wear seatbelts. This increases the risk of injury, in case of collisions or obstruction. In addition, truck drivers often work for long hours, resulting in fatigue that may impact their decision-making skills while driving.

Annie Baxter said in a recent article:

“Retzer said well sites are dangerous places, with multiple companies taking heavy equipment down or putting it up. But she said the most fatalities are tied to transportation, particularly incidents where workers drive from one work site to another in light-duty vehicles. Some drive on unsafe rural roads with no seat belts. And they’re working long hours, so fatigue is a big issue.”

Truckers Risk Accidents

Truckers who transport crude oil face the risk of ignition of crude oil on sudden impact or during an accident. This could lead to deadly explosions, resulting in serious injuries or loss of life. The pressure on truckers to transport crude oil faster increases during boom time, making them prone to accidents. This highlights the need for better safety practices and regulations to protect truckers.

Another big area of concern is the condition of roads near oilfields. A majority of these roads were built before the discovery of oil, making them unfit for the movement of large tanker trucks. The bad condition of roads could cause truckers to lose control of their vehicles, leading to accidents.

Dan Molinski said in a recent article:

“In January of this year, five oil workers were killed in south Texas after their van crashed into a tanker truck that then exploded. Critics also contend that during oil boom times, truckers hurry to move crude, risking accidents. And roads near oil fields often were built before oil was discovered, meaning that they’re ill-equipped to handle large tanker trucks.”

This article highlights why safety is a major concern for truckers employed in the oil and gas industry. Companies involved in oil and gas production should take steps to provide better safety for all those working in the oilfield.