Slip, Trip, & Fall Hazards

Contaminants and equipment on the walking and working surfaces in oil and gas extraction operations can cause slips, trips, and falls. The conditions that can lead to these accidents are as follows:

• Wet and slippery floors
• Leaking pipes
• Irregularities in the walking and working surfaces
• Uncovered holes
• Outdoor weather conditions
• Inadequate lighting
• Lack of safety harnesses and lines or safety nets
• Inadequate handrails and guardrails
• Lack of guardrails, toe-boards, and other safety precautions on dangerous machines (such as those with conveyor belts)

Of particular concern in the oil and gas extraction industry, however, is the danger that workers may fall from heights. For example, workers may have to make adjustments on tall drilling rigs or climb equipment to perform hydraulic fracturing operations. Falling from dangerous heights may be compounded by slippery surfaces and by the ever-present danger of being struck by pipes, malfunctioning equipment, or other objects.

To learn more about Oil & Gas Extraction visit our Oil & Gas Extraction Safety Online Training web page.