Oil and Gas Extraction

Oil Gas Extraction Menu Workers' Rights

Health Hazards Associated with Oil and Gas Extraction Activities

Oil and gas well drilling and servicing activities involve the use and production of potentially hazardous materials. OSHA, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), and industry and safety groups continue to evaluate the type and extent of chemical and other health hazards across the industry.

Potential health hazards are highlighted below. See Standards and Enforcement for more information on evaluation and control requirements.

Highlight: NIOSH Field Effort to Assess Chemical Exposures

NIOSH has initiated a field effort to assess chemical exposures in the oil and gas industry. Workers, managers, supervisors, and health and safety professionals involved in oil and gas drilling and servicing operations are encouraged to participate in the field effort. For more information see: NIOSH Field Effort to Assess Chemical Exposure Risks to Gas and Oil Workers.

 

Highlight: Hydraulic Fracturing

Highlight: Hydraulic Fracturing - Photo credit: NIOSH"

During the 2000s, there has been an increase in hydraulic fracturing operations in the oil and gas extraction industry. NIOSH has initiated a field effort to assess chemical exposures in this industry. NIOSH identified exposure to airborne silica as a health hazard to workers conducting some hydraulic fracturing operations.

For more information, see:

 

Diesel Particulate Matter

Diesel engines power a variety of machinery, vehicles, and equipment on a drilling site. Workers might be exposed to harmful levels of diesel particulate matter during the operation of these engines. The following OSHA and NIOSH documents provide guidance on recognizing and controlling this hazard:

  • Diesel Exhaust. OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page. Addresses diesel-exhaust hazards and associated standards.
  • Diesel exhaust. NIOSH Pocket Guide to Chemical Hazards. Addresses exposure symptoms and measurement criteria for diesel exhaust.
Fatigue

Workers might experience fatigue due to long shifts and when working multiple days in a row. The following OSHA and NIOSH documents provide guidance on recognizing and controlling this hazard:

Hazardous Chemicals

Workers who use hazardous chemicals during work processes, especially during hydraulic fracturing, might be exposed to hazardous byproducts of oil and gas drilling. The degree of potential hazard depends on individual chemical properties and toxicity, but possible hazards include chemical burns from caustic substances and inhalation of toxic vapors. All employers with hazardous chemicals in their workplaces must have labels and safety data sheets for their exposed workers, and train them to handle the chemicals appropriately. Establishing effective engineering controls and work practices can reduce potential worker overexposures. The following OSHA and NIOSH documents provide guidance on recognizing and controlling these hazards:

Hazardous Chemicals - Photo credit: NIOSH
  • Respiratory protection as it relates to oil fields. OSHA Letter of Interpretation, (April 14, 1993). Addresses respiratory protection in the oil and gas industry.
  • Hazard Communication. OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page. Addresses hazard communication and associated standards.
  • Personal Protective Equipment. OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page. Addresses PPE and associated standards.
  • Eye and Face Protection. OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page. Addresses eye and face protection and associated standards.
  • Respiratory Protection. OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page. Addresses respiratory protection and associated standards.
  • Hazardous Materials. OSHA's Harwood Grant Training Materials. Covers handling of hazardous materials in the oil and gas industry.
  • Chemical Safety. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Workplace Safety & Health Topic. Lists NIOSH publications and current research into chemical safety in the workplace.

Relevant OSHA and national consensus standards applicable to these hazards include:

Relevant industry practice documents applicable to these hazards include:

  • AESC (Association of Energy Services Companies) EC 600 Hazardous Communication Compliance Guide
Hydrocarbon Gases and Vapors (HGVs) and Low Oxygen Environments
Hydrogen Sulfide

Oil and gas wells can release hydrogen sulfide and expose workers to hydrogen-sulfide gas. The three best practices to help prevent injury and death are: active monitoring for hydrogen-sulfide gas; good planning; and training programs for workers. The following OSHA and NIOSH documents provide guidance on recognizing and controlling this hazard:

  • Hydrogen Sulfide Gas. OSHA's Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing eTool. Describes hydrogen-sulfide hazards in the oil and gas industry and possible solutions.
  • Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S). OSHA QuickCard™ (Publication 3267). Addresses hydrogen-sulfide hazards in brief.
  • Respiratory protection as it relates to oil fields. OSHA Letter of Interpretation, (April 14, 1993). Addresses respiratory protection in the oil and gas industry.
  • Respiratory Protection. OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page. Addresses respiratory protection and associated standards.
  • Hydrogen Sulfide. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Workplace Safety & Health Topic. Lists NIOSH publications and current research into occupational hydrogen sulfide exposure.

Relevant industry practice documents applicable to this hazard include:

  • API 49 Recommended Practice for Drilling and Well Service Operations Involving Hydrogen Sulfide
  • API 55 Recommended Practices for Oil and Gas Producing and Gas Processing Plant Operations Involving Hydrogen Sulfide
  • API 68 Well Servicing and Workover Operations Involving Hydrogen Sulfide
  • IADC H2S Safety Handbook
  • IADC H2S Safety for Oil, Gas & Petrochemical Industry
  • IADC H2S Safety in Drilling and Production
  • IADC Oilfield H2S Safety Training
Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM)

NORM might be released from oil and gas formations. Workers at risk of exposure include those who handle pipes and equipment that might have been contaminated with NORM. Sludge, drilling mud, and pipe scales, for example, often contain elevated levels of NORM, and the radioactive materials might be moved from site to site as equipment and materials are reused. Disposal, reuse, and recycling of NORM might cause worker exposures. The following OSHA and NIOSH documents provide guidance on recognizing and controlling this hazard:

Relevant national consensus standards applicable to this hazard include:

  • Nuclear Regulatory Commission 10 CFR 39, Licenses and Radiation Safety Requirements for Well Logging.
Noise

Oil and gas workers can be exposed to harmful noise levels during equipment operation. The following OSHA and NIOSH documents provide guidance on recognizing and controlling this hazard:

  • Occupational Noise Exposure. OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page. Addresses noise hazards and associated standards.
  • Noise and Hearing Loss Prevention. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Workplace Safety & Health Topic. Lists NIOSH publications and current research into occupational noise exposure.

Relevant OSHA and national consensus standards applicable to this hazard include:

  • Occupational noise exposure 1910.95. Note: 1910.95(o) states: "Paragraphs (c) through (n) of this section shall not apply to employers engaged in oil and gas well drilling and servicing operations."
Silica

Workers might be exposed to respirable crystalline silica during processes that use sand, such as hydraulic fracturing. The following OSHA and NIOSH documents provide guidance on recognizing and controlling this hazard:

Silica - Photo credit: NIOSH
Temperature Extremes

Well-site workers are exposed to extreme temperatures and should take precautions to stay safe. The following OSHA and NIOSH documents provide guidance on recognizing and controlling this hazard:

  • Campaign to Prevent Heat Illness in Outdoor Workers. OSHA. Lists resources and controls to prevent heat-related illness.
  • Protecting Workers from Heat Illness. OSHA-NIOSH InfoSheet (Publication 3438), (2011). Provides information to employers on measures employers and workers should take to prevent heat-related illnesses and death.
  • Occupational Heat Exposure. OSHA Safety and Health Topics Page. Provides information on heat-related illnesses, first aid, and prevention measures.
  • Cold Stress. OSHA Safety and Health Guide. Provides information on cold stress, and preventing injury and disease related to cold weather.
  • Heat Stress. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Workplace Safety & Health Topic. Lists NIOSH publications and current research into occupational exposure to high temperatures.
  • Cold Stress. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Workplace Safety & Health Topic. Lists NIOSH publications and current research into occupational exposure to high temperatures.