Occupational Ill Health in Oil and Gas
The oil and gas industry is vast, complex and heavily relies on over 21,000 workers in the UK to keep it moving. The sector has made progress in recent years to better protect workers and tighten up safety standards, which is reflected in the decreasing number of sector-wide fatalities.
As a major hazard industry nevertheless, common and health and safety exposures remain.
In 2020 alone, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported that 3.5 million working days were spent on offshore oil and gas. For those responsible for Environmental, Health, Safety and Quality (EHSQ) as well as medical teams, effective health and safety management is essential to prevent and protect against workplace dangers both onshore and offshore.
All industries carry ill health risks for workers and the oil and gas industry is no different. Offshore oil and gas use hazardous substances during daily work activities such as painting, spraying, soldering, mixing of drilling muds and insulation installation. Working onshore, hazardous substance risks are linked to chemical and gas exposures in businesses who carry out hydrocarbon exploration.
The industry's view
Following a survey conducted to health, safety and operational workers in the UK oil and gas industry, we have shared insight into how hazardous substances and COSHH compliance is currently being managed in the industry:
of respondents say that they require more support and training on COSHH
of respondents say COSHH management isn’t a top priority for their business
of companies admit that more steps can be taken to ensure the health of workers
say their company don’t do enough to substitute or eliminate hazardous substances from their workplace.
Protecting Your People From Exposure To Hazardous Substances
Whether workers are drilling for oil, carrying out routine maintenance or harnessing renewable energy sources, there is exposure risk. If exposure is not properly controlled, it can cause adverse health effects such as skin dermatitis, cancer and lung disease such as occupational asthma and respiration irritation, as well as the potential for asphyxiation, fire and explosion.
Health and safety leaders in the industry have a legal and moral responsibility to keep people safe from harm. The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations, 2002. (COSHH) regulations govern how a workplace they should be used and controlled and any business who falls short of these regulations cold face legal action.
Having the right control measures and EHSQ systems in place to reduce exposure to hazardous substances is vital.