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Morbimortality profile by COVID-19 in telework and on-site work in an oil and gas company in Brazil. Work 2024:WOR230114. [PMID: 38457165 DOI: 10.3233/wor-230114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND As a reflection of the health emergency caused by COVID-19, many countries adopted guidelines, which included activity restrictions. As a result, some companies maintained their activities with on-site work and telework. OBJECTIVE Analyzing the morbidity and mortality profile due to COVID-19 of workers in telework and on-site work in an oil and gas company. METHODS Cross-sectional, quantitative, and analytical study that included 8,394 workers diagnosed with COVID-19 at an oil and gas company in Brazil, from June 2020 to June 2021. The company's Surveillance Program database was used as an information source. RESULTS The total prevalence of cases was 21.7% . For teleworking and face-to-face workers, they were 20.7% and 23.3%, respectively. There was a predominance of women (19.7%), white ethnicity/colour (64.7%), higher level position (52.6%), age group over 40 years (36.7%), married (53, 8%), working at the company for a period that ranges from 7 to 10 years (17%), administrative activity (68.5%), and a higher number of symptomatic workers and deaths in telework compared to on-site work. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that testing is important to refrain the virus spread in the company's work environments, as it allowed asymptomatic workers to be diagnosed with COVID-19. The study suggested that on-site work was not a transmission facilitator in the occupational environment, which points out the importance of preventive measures in the workplace and the adoption of remote work for the largest possible number of workers to improve the safety of employees, workers who remained in the on-site work modality.
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Safety climate and safety behaviors: Adapting and validating a positively worded safety climate scale through the time-lagged approach. Work 2024; 77:1005-1016. [PMID: 37781850 DOI: 10.3233/wor-230150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Contemporary literature raises serious questions about the inclusion of negatively worded items in the safety climate scale. Despite these reservations, limited efforts have been made to address this shortcoming. OBJECTIVE The present study aims to adapt and empirically validate the ten-items group-level safety climate scale with the purpose of replacing negatively worded items with positively worded ones after a thorough validation process. The present study is one of the first to propose an empirically validated group-level safety climate scale that uses positive items to measure the safety climate construct. METHODS Study 1 was conducted using a sample of 135 participants. Study 2 used a time-lagged approach to validate the scale, with a sample of 173 production workers from six oil and gas organizations in Malaysia. The Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) method was used to test the hypothesized relationships. RESULTS In Study 1, the results of the exploratory factor analysis showed good reliability for the revised scale. In Study 2, the results of the PLS-SEM analysis demonstrated a positive relationship between safety climate and safety behaviors, thereby validating the revised and translated scale of safety climate. CONCLUSION The revised safety climate scale will not only improve data quality, but it will also increase response rates. Additionally, the revised scale will assist managers in understanding the true perceptions of safety climate in their organization, regardless of the cultural context in which the scale is used.
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Impacts of COVID-19 on the oil and gas industry in Brazil. Rev Bras Med Trab 2023; 21:e20221015. [PMID: 38313782 PMCID: PMC10835414 DOI: 10.47626/1679-4435-2022-1015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to analyze the progression of COVID-19 cases on oil and gas workers in Brazil. This is a descriptive research based on secondary data available in the COVID-19 Monitoring Bulletins of the Ministry of Mines and Energy and news about outbreaks on digital media. The findings show that the numerous news reports published on digital media indicate unhealthy working conditions, and workers' representatives appear as the main source of these findings. Managers' failure in health surveillance of this working class were also observed as to the frequent omission of official data and compulsory notifications on the health and safety of oil and gas workers.
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Offshore medical evacuations due to non-occupational illnesses. Rev Bras Med Trab 2023; 21:e20221033. [PMID: 38313785 PMCID: PMC10835412 DOI: 10.47626/1679-4435-2022-1033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Offshore work is a continuous challenge for occupational safety and medicine, as well as for qualification, training, and worksite logistics. In such conditions, any health issue requiring disembarkation incurs a serious burden. Objectives To evaluate the number and causes of non-occupational medical evacuations among Brazil's offshore units between 2016 and 2019. Methods The database of consultations performed by the medical services company International Health Care for offshore units on the Brazilian coast of client companies from 2016 to 2019 was reviewed. Results Of the 1140 identified medical evacuations, 937 were non-occupational. Conclusions Due to the increase in safety culture, non-occupational illness has become the most common reason for medical evacuations. Without understanding and prevention of such causes, expenses will increase for companies with offshore operations.
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Working Alone and/or in Remote Locations: Opportunities to Prevent the Risk of Fatality From Cardiovascular Events in Oil and Gas Extraction Workers. J Occup Environ Med 2023; 65:481-487. [PMID: 36962079 PMCID: PMC10239358 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/26/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study is to explore personal and work factors related to fatal cardiac events among oil and gas extraction (OGE) workers. METHODS The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Fatalities in Oil and Gas Extraction database was reviewed to identify fatal cardiac events among OGE workers from 2014 through 2019. A case series design was used to review case files, provide descriptive statistics, and summarize the findings. RESULTS There were 75 fatalities identified, including 55 (73%) with sufficient information for review. Of the 55 workers, 18 (33%) worked alone. Thirty-six fatal cardiac events (66%) were unwitnessed by a coworker. Toxicology findings suggested some possible exposures to hydrogen sulfide or hydrocarbon gases or vapors. Missing data were common. CONCLUSIONS This study identified the need for cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment, emergency preparedness, lone worker programs, medical screening, and enhanced exposure control in the OGE industry.
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A Review of Medical Evacuations Related to Dental Emergencies and Oral-Maxillofacial Injuries. JOURNAL OF SPECIAL OPERATIONS MEDICINE : A PEER REVIEWED JOURNAL FOR SOF MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS 2023:JSEQ-S0JT. [PMID: 37071889 DOI: 10.55460/jseq-s0jt] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
A literature review was performed to determine the frequency of medical evacuations (MEDEVAC) that are required for dental emergencies (DE) and oral-maxillofacial (OMF) injuries. Fourteen studies were reviewed altogether - eight which quantified evacuation of DEs or OMF injuries in military personnel (from 1982-2013) and six studies that discussed medical evacuation of DEs occurring in civilians working in offshore oil and gas rigs and wilderness expeditions (from 1976-2015). Among military personnel, DE/OMF issues were frequently among one of the top categories of medical evacuations, ranging from 2-16% of all evacuations. Among oil and gas industry workers, 5.3-14.6% of evacuations were dental-related, while one study of wilderness expeditions found that DEs ranked as the third most frequent type of injury that required evacuation. Previous studies have shown that dental and OMF problems often account for one of most frequently cited reasons for evacuation. However, due to the limited study base of DE/OMF medical evacuations, further research is needed to determine their impact on the cost of health care delivery.
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Determinants of Workplace Productivity Decline in the Tunisian Onshore Oil and Gas Industry. Indian J Occup Environ Med 2023; 27:132-137. [PMID: 37600645 PMCID: PMC10434808 DOI: 10.4103/ijoem.ijoem_56_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background This study explored the impact of occupational stress, personal factors, and physical conditions on work productivity decline (WPD) among workers in the Tunisian onshore oil and gas industry. Methods We conducted a cross-sectional survey among 246 onshore oil installation workers of a Tunisian private oil company. 94 employees (48%) participated in this study. We used the Job Content Questionnaire to evaluate occupational stress and the Work Productivity and Activity Impairment Questionnaire to assess the WPD. Results Data were analysed using R software. This study exclusively included male workers, with an average age of 41.1 ± 9.5 years. Binary logistic regression analysis identified low social support and job-strain situation as the most associated risk factors (OR >3). The random forest model suggested that professional category, job-strain situation, low social support, and iso-strain situation were the most important variables in predicting WPD. Conclusion These data provided evidence that petroleum workers faced a monotonous lifestyle in the workplace, leading to high levels of occupational stress that affected their work productivity. This study is the first in Tunisia in the oil sector.
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Widespread Frequent Methane Emissions From the Oil and Gas Industry in the Permian Basin. JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH. ATMOSPHERES : JGR 2023; 128:e2022JD037479. [PMID: 37034455 PMCID: PMC10078246 DOI: 10.1029/2022jd037479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Emissions of methane (CH4) in the Permian basin (USA) have been derived for 2019 and 2020 from satellite observations of the Tropospheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) using the divergence method, in combination with a data driven method to estimate the background column densities. The resulting CH4 emission data, which have been verified using model data with known emissions, have a spatial resolution of approximately 10 km. The CH4 emissions show moderate spatial correlation with the locations of oil and gas production and drilling activities in the Permian basin, as well as with emissions of nitrogen oxides (NOx). Analysis of the emission maps and time series indicates that a significant fraction of methane emissions in the Permian basin is from frequent widespread emissions sources, rather than from a few infrequent very large unplanned releases, which is important considering possible CH4 emission mitigation strategies. In addition to providing spatially resolved emissions, the divergence method also provides the total emissions of the Permian basin and its main sub-basins. The total CH4 emission of the Permian is estimated as 3.0 ± 0.7 Tg yr-1 for 2019, which agrees with other independent estimates based on TROPOMI data. For the Delaware sub-basin, it is estimated as 1.4 ± 0.3 Tg yr-1 for 2019, and for the Midland sub-basin 1.2 ± 0.3 Tg yr-1. In 2020 the emissions are 9% lower compared to 2019 in the entire Permian basin, and respectively 19% and 27% for the Delaware and Midland sub-basins.
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Residential proximity to oil and gas production sites and hematologic malignancies: A case-control study. Am J Ind Med 2022; 65:985-993. [PMID: 36250627 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We investigated the association between residential proximity to oil and gas production sites and hematologic malignancies, due to a cancer cluster in the German state of Lower Saxony. METHODS A registry-based case-control study was conducted including 3978 cases of hematologic malignancies diagnosed within 2013-2016 and 15,912 frequency-matched controls randomly drawn by population registries. Residential proximity to 5333 oil and gas production sites at the time of diagnosis was calculated. Unconditional logistic regression models were used to estimate the association between living within 1 km of any exposure site and developing a hematologic malignancy. Models were adjusted for matching variables sex, age group, district, and year of diagnosis as well as for proximity to main streets and to agricultural land. RESULTS We found no association between the development of hematologic malignancies and the proximity to all oil and gas production sites (odds ratio: 0.97; 95% confidence interval: 0.85, 1.11). Focusing on gas production sites increased the odds of developing hematologic cancer (odds ratio: 1.19; 95% confidence interval: 0.97, 1.45). In stratified analyses, associations were stronger in women and for acute myeloblastic leukemia. We also found an association in the district where the initial cluster occurred. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that residential proximity to oil and gas production is not a risk factor for all hematologic malignancies in general. Sporadic and past exposures are the most likely scenarios for mechanisms involving oil and gas production, leading to increased risk for certain subtypes of cancer in certain populations.
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A review of current inventory for major industries involving naturally occurring radioactive materials in Canada. JOURNAL OF RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR RADIOLOGICAL PROTECTION 2022; 42:031520. [PMID: 36130529 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6498/ac9396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Earth materials contain radionuclides of natural origin in varying concentrations. Exposure to natural sources dominates the occupational and public exposure to ionizing radiation. Canada has one of the largest and most diverse supplies of natural resources in the world. A large quantity of material production is associated with a large quantity of waste releases to the environment. Releases from industries involving naturally occurring radioactive material (NORM) can concentrate trace amounts of natural radionuclides and are often poorly characterized. This raises concerns for occupational and public health. Currently, there are data and knowledge gaps in radiological characteristics of NORM products and waste or releases to the environment. For the evaluation of occupational and public exposure to natural sources, a review of current inventory for major industries involving NORM in Canada was conducted with the objective to provide basic information on major issues, help set the priority for research needs to filling these data and knowledge gaps.
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Recent Advances in Nondestructive Method and Assessment of Corrosion Undercoating in Carbon-Steel Pipelines. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 22:6654. [PMID: 36081113 PMCID: PMC9460697 DOI: 10.3390/s22176654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Carbon-steel pipelines have mostly been utilized in the oil and gas (OG) industry owing to their strength and cost-effectiveness. However, the detection of corrosion under coating poses challenges for nondestructive (ND) pipeline monitoring techniques. One of the challenges is inaccessibility because of the pipeline structure, which leads to undetected corrosion, which possibly leads to catastrophic failure. The drawbacks of the existing ND methods for corrosion monitoring increase the need for novel frameworks in feature extraction, detection, and characterization of corrosion. This study begins with the explanations of the various types of corrosion in the carbon-steel pipeline in the OG industry and its prevention methods. A review of critical sensors integrated with various current ND corrosion monitoring systems is then presented. The importance of acoustic emission (AE) techniques over other ND methods is explained. AE data preprocessing methods are discussed. Several AE-based corrosion detection, prediction, and reliability assessment models for online pipeline condition monitoring are then highlighted. Finally, a discussion with future perspectives on corrosion monitoring followed by the significance and advantages of the emerging AE-based ND monitoring techniques is presented. The trends and identified issues are summarized with several recommendations for improvement in the OG industry.
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Active Control System to Prevent Malfunctioning Caused by the Pressure Difference in Gasket Plate Heat Exchangers Applied in the Oil and Gas Industry. SENSORS 2022; 22:s22124422. [PMID: 35746205 PMCID: PMC9228761 DOI: 10.3390/s22124422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
In the oil and gas industry, heat exchangers are subject to loads that cause malfunctioning. These loads are divided into thermal and mechanical stresses; however, most efforts are focused on studying thermal stresses. The present work reduces mechanical stresses by mitigating pressure events in a gasket plate heat exchanger (GPHE). GPHE requires that the hot and cold stream branches have approximately the same pressure. Thus, the work focuses on controlling the pressure difference between the branches. A test bench was used to emulate, on a small scale, the typical pressure events of an oil production plant. A control valve was used in different positions to evaluate the controller. In the experiments, it was observed that the best option to control the pressure difference is to use a hydraulic pump and control valve in the flow of the controlled thermal fluid branch. The reduction in pressure events was approximately 50%. Actuator efforts are also reduced in this configuration.
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High Safety Risk Assessment in the Time of Uncertainties (COVID-19): An Industrial Context. Front Psychol 2022; 13:834361. [PMID: 35529576 PMCID: PMC9072731 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.834361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The complexities of the workplace environment in the downstream oil and gas industry contain several safety-risk factors. In particular, instituting stringent safety standards and management procedures are considered insufficient to address workplace safety risks. Most accident cases attribute to unsafe actions and human behaviors on the job, which raises serious concerns for safety professionals from physical to psychological particularly when the world is facing a life-threatening Pandemic situation, i.e., COVID-19. It is imperative to re-examine the safety management of facilities and employees' well-being in the downstream oil and gas production sector to establish a sustainable governance system. Understanding the inherent factors better that contribute to safety behavior management could significantly improve workplace safety features. Objective This study investigates employees' safety behavior management model for the downstream oil and gas industry to consolidate the safety, health and wellbeing of employees in times of COVID-19. Methods Nominal Group Technique (NGT) was first employed to screen primary behavioral factors from 10 workplace health and safety experts from Malaysia's downstream oil and gas industry. Consequently, 18 significant factors were identified for further inquiry. Next, the interpretive structural modeling technique was used to ascertain the complex interrelationships between these factors and proposed a Safety Behavioral Management Model for cleaner production. Results This model shows that management commitment, employee knowledge and training, leadership, and regulations contribute significantly to several latent factors. Our findings support the Social Cognitive Theory, where employees, their environment, and their behaviors are related reciprocally. Conclusion It is postulated that identifying safety factors and utilizing the proposed model guides various stakeholder groups in this industry, including practitioners and policymakers, for achieving long-term sustainability.
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Investigation of Cyber-Security and Cyber-Crimes in Oil and Gas Sectors Using the Innovative Structures of Complex Intuitionistic Fuzzy Relations. ENTROPY 2021; 23:e23091112. [PMID: 34573738 PMCID: PMC8471212 DOI: 10.3390/e23091112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Recently, there has been enormous development due to advancements in technology. Industries and enterprises are moving towards a digital system, and the oil and gas industries are no exception. There are several threats and risks in digital systems, which are controlled through cyber-security. For the first time in the theory of fuzzy sets, this research analyzes the relationships between cyber-security and cyber-crimes in the oil and gas sectors. The novel concepts of complex intuitionistic fuzzy relations (CIFRs) are introduced. Moreover, the types of CIFRs are defined and their properties are discussed. In addition, an application is presented that uses the Hasse diagram to make a decision regarding the most suitable cyber-security techniques to implement in an industry. Furthermore, the omnipotence of the proposed methods is explained by a comparative study.
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A Scoping Review of Technologies and Their Applicability for Exposome-Based Risk Assessment in the Oil and Gas Industry. Ann Work Expo Health 2021; 65:1011-1028. [PMID: 34219141 DOI: 10.1093/annweh/wxab039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Oil and gas workers have been shown to be at increased risk of chronic diseases including cancer, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and hearing loss, among others. Technological advances may be used to assess the external (e.g. personal sensors, smartphone apps and online platforms, exposure models) and internal exposome (e.g. physiologically based kinetic modeling (PBK), biomonitoring, omics), offering numerous possibilities for chronic disease prevention strategies and risk management measures. The objective of this study was to review the literature on these technologies, by focusing on: (i) evaluating their applicability for exposome research in the oil and gas industry, and (ii) identifying key challenges that may hamper the successful application of such technologies in the oil and gas industry. METHOD A scoping review was conducted by identifying peer-reviewed literature with searches in MEDLINE/PubMed and SciVerse Scopus. Two assessors trained on the search strategy screened retrieved articles on title and abstract. The inclusion criteria used for this review were: application of the aforementioned technologies at a workplace in the oil and gas industry or, application of these technologies for an exposure relevant to the oil and gas industry but in another occupational sector, English language and publication period 2005-end of 2019. RESULTS In total, 72 articles were included in this scoping review with most articles focused on omics and bioinformatics (N = 22), followed by biomonitoring and biomarkers (N = 20), external exposure modeling (N = 11), PBK modeling (N = 10), and personal sensors (N = 9). Several studies were identified in the oil and gas industry on the application of PBK models and biomarkers, mainly focusing on workers exposed to benzene. The application of personal sensors, new types of exposure models, and omics technology are still in their infancy with respect to the oil and gas industry. Nevertheless, applications of these technologies in other occupational sectors showed the potential for application in this sector. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION New exposome technologies offer great promise for personal monitoring of workers in the oil and gas industry, but more applied research is needed in collaboration with the industry. Current challenges hindering a successful application of such technologies include (i) the technological readiness of sensors, (ii) the availability of data, (iii) the absence of standardized and validated methods, and (iv) the need for new study designs to study the development of disease during working life.
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Analysis of accidents caused by human factors in the oil and gas industry using the HFACS-OGI framework. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND ERGONOMICS 2021; 28:1642-1654. [PMID: 33849397 DOI: 10.1080/10803548.2021.1916238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Objectives. Human factors have been identified as the most common causes of catastrophic accidents in the oil and gas industry. Therefore, this study aims to analyze human causal factors of accidents in the oil and gas industry using the human factors analysis and classification system for the oil and gas industry (HFACS-OGI) framework. Methods. This study involved quantitative data collection for 184 accident cases in the oil and gas industry that occurred from 2013 to 2017 from the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP) database. The causal factors of these accidents were coded using the HFACS-OGI framework. Accident data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the χ2 test. Results. Study findings reveal that 23% of all accidents were recorded in 2013. Thirty-two percent of accidents occurred in Asia, while 69% of accidents were recorded in onshore locations. Contractors were involved in 86% of accidents, while 28% of accidents occurred during drilling, workover and well services. The contractor's work environment was the main human factor in 90% of accident cases. Conclusion. The HFACS-OGI framework proves to be a vital tool for robust accident analysis of human factors in the oil and gas industry.
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A Review of Recent Advances in the Inhibition of Sweet Corrosion. CHEM REC 2021; 21:1845-1875. [PMID: 34028183 DOI: 10.1002/tcr.202100072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
This review paper discusses the research work published in the last decade on the use of organic compounds and natural products as corrosion inhibitors for steel in CO2 and CO2 /H2 S coexisting environments. The carbon and mild steel samples tested are mostly immersed in CO2 -saturated NaCl/brine solutions or simulated oilfield waters. The influence of temperature, immersion time, CO2 partial pressure, pre-corrosion, flow rate/rotation speed, and the synergistic effect of other compounds on the corrosion inhibition effectiveness of organic compounds and natural products is presented. Primarily, weight loss and electrochemical techniques were used to evaluate the corrosion inhibition effectiveness of these compounds.
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Offshore Online Measurements of Total Suspended Solids Using Microscopy Analyzers. SENSORS 2021; 21:s21093192. [PMID: 34064475 PMCID: PMC8125197 DOI: 10.3390/s21093192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Accurate online water quality measurements have gained attention during the last decades in the oil and gas industry for improving operational performance and protecting the surrounding environment. One potential solution to extend the reservoirs’ economic life and put less strain on the environment is by re-injecting the produced water, but the injected water quality must be high and consistent to prevent injectivity reduction. This paper evaluates two different online microscopy analyzers that utilize a high-resolution video camera for capturing images of the particles passing their view cell. The calibration procedure for both online microscopy analyzers has been thoroughly validated for steady-state and real-time measurements. The real-time measurements were achieved by post-processing the data captured by the microscopes and applying a trailing moving average window. The performance of measuring the oil-in-water concentration was compared with an online fluorescence-based monitor. The paper addresses the statistical considerations when defining the level of accuracy of the predicted particle size distribution within a defined confidence interval. Both microscopes showed promising results for measuring known particle sizes and oil-in-water concentrations, both in steady-state and real-time.
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Medical evacuations among offshore oil and gas industries in the Gulf of Thailand. Int Marit Health 2020; 71:114-122. [PMID: 32604455 DOI: 10.5603/imh.2020.0021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Medical evacuation in the offshore oil and gas industry is costly and risky. Previous studies have found that the main cause of medical evacuation due to illness is increasing. In Thailand, there have been no studies on the causes and costs of medical evacuation in the offshore oil and gas industry. This study aims to study on the causes and costs of medical evacuation among offshore oil and gas industry in the Gulf of Thailand. MATERIALS AND METHODS A retrospective review of data of medical evacuation among the offshore oil and gas industry in the Gulf of Thailand from 2016 to 2019 for a period of 36 months. RESULTS During the research period, a total of 416 cases were evacuated. The majority of the causes of Medevac (84.13%) were illness. We found that 60.1% of all Medevacs were unpreventable or difficult to prevent, and only 39.9% were preventable. The cost of Medevac ranged from 10,000 to 880,000 THB per case. The cost of Medevac occurring from preventable causes was 17,160,000 THB for this period of 36 months. CONCLUSIONS Reducing the cost of Medevac can be done by: 1) vaccination to prevent vaccine-preventable diseases, 2) screening to prevent people at risk of getting complications from pre-existing diseases to work offshore, and 3) increasing treatment capability of offshore facilities. Offshore oil and gas industry may consider cost-benefit of these approaches compared to status quo.
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Uncertainty Analysis of Fluorescence-Based Oil-In-Water Monitors for Oil and Gas Produced Water. SENSORS 2020; 20:s20164435. [PMID: 32784448 PMCID: PMC7472087 DOI: 10.3390/s20164435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Offshore oil and gas facilities are currently measuring the oil-in-water (OiW) concentration in the produced water manually before discharging it into the ocean, which in most cases fulfills the government regulations. However, as stricter regulations and environmental concerns are increasing over time, the importance of measuring OiW in real-time intensifies. The significant amount of uncertainties associated with manual samplings, that is currently not taken into consideration, could potentially affect the acceptance of OiW monitors and lower the reputation of all online OiW measurement techniques. This work presents the performance of four fluorescence-based monitors on an in-house testing facility. Previous studies of a fluorescence-based monitor have raised concerns about the measurement of OiW concentration being flow-dependent. The proposed results show that the measurements from the fluorescence-based monitors are not or insignificantly flow-dependent. However, other parameters, such as gas bubbles and droplet sizes, do affect the measurement. Testing the monitors’ calibration method revealed that the weighted least square is preferred to achieve high reproducibility. Due to the high sensitivity to different compositions of atomic structures, other than aromatic hydrocarbons, the fluorescence-based monitor might not be feasible for measuring OiW concentrations in dynamic separation facilities with consistent changes. Nevertheless, they are still of interest for measuring the separation efficiency of a deoiling hydrocyclone to enhance its deoiling performance, as the separation efficiency is not dependent on OiW trueness but rather the OiW concentration before and after the hydrocyclone.
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Cardiovascular risk factors among oil refinery workers: ecological study. Rev Bras Med Trab 2020; 18:11-19. [PMID: 32782999 DOI: 10.5327/z1679443520200476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Monitoring the health of workers is indispensable to develop indicators to identify potential risk factors and the workload impact on illness and characterize their morbidity profile. Objective To identify modifiable and non-modifiable cardiovascular risk factors among employees of an oil refinery with fixed work schedule or allocated to shifts. Methods Ecological, exploratory, descriptive and quantitative study with data retrieved from the company's record system. We performed time series analysis of the prevalence of risk factors in the period from 2008 through 2017. Results We found an increasing trend in the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes and a decreasing trend for high cholesterol, high LDL, low HDL, smoking and coronary artery risk. The prevalence of hypertension increased, while that of all other risk factors, except for diabetes, decreased in 2017 by comparison to 2008. Conclusion The analyzed sample is at medium risk for cardiovascular disease despite their young age, high educational level and available resources. We call attention to the need to systematize workplace health promotion programs.
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Health Risk Factors Among Miners, Oil and Gas Extraction Workers, Other Manual Labor Workers, and Nonmanual Labor Workers, BRFSS 2013-2017, 32 States. Workplace Health Saf 2020; 68:391-401. [PMID: 32484732 DOI: 10.1177/2165079920909136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Background: Analyzing health risk factors among current workers by industry and occupation (IO) provides information on disparities between worker groups, especially when comparing workers within manual labor occupations. Mining and oil and gas extraction (OGE) are unique industries with different work environments that could affect health risk factors. The study objective was to compare the prevalence of health risk factors of miners, OGE, other manual labor, and nonmanual labor workers. Methods: The Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System's IO module was analyzed for years 2013-2017 to compare prevalences of excessive alcohol use, smoking, smokeless tobacco use, seat belt use, inadequate sleep, and obesity among four worker groups. National Health Interview Survey IO codes were used to categorize miners, OGE, other manual labor, and nonmanual labor workers. Findings: Miners and OGE workers had higher prevalence estimates than both nonmanual and manual labor workers for all health risk factors except current smoking. Both miners and OGE workers were significantly more likely than other manual labor workers to report smokeless tobacco use and not always wearing seatbelts. Compared with other manual labor workers, OGE workers were significantly more likely to report obesity, and miners were significantly more likely to report inadequate sleep. Conclusion/Application to Practice: Prevalence of most health risk factors differed among miners, OGE, other manual labor, and nonmanual labor workers. These differences could lead to disparities in health outcomes. Occupational health professionals in mining and OGE can use this information to inform and target integrated wellness and health and safety programs.
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Corrosion Sensors for Structural Health Monitoring of Oil and Natural Gas Infrastructure: A Review. SENSORS 2019; 19:s19183964. [PMID: 31540327 PMCID: PMC6767297 DOI: 10.3390/s19183964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 09/10/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Corrosion has been a great concern in the oil and natural gas industry costing billions of dollars annually in the U.S. The ability to monitor corrosion online before structural integrity is compromised can have a significant impact on preventing catastrophic events resulting from corrosion. This article critically reviews conventional corrosion sensors and emerging sensor technologies in terms of sensing principles, sensor designs, advantages, and limitations. Conventional corrosion sensors encompass corrosion coupons, electrical resistance probes, electrochemical sensors, ultrasonic testing sensors, magnetic flux leakage sensors, electromagnetic sensors, and in-line inspection tools. Emerging sensor technologies highlight optical fiber sensors (point, quasi-distributed, distributed) and passive wireless sensors such as passive radio-frequency identification sensors and surface acoustic wave sensors. Emerging sensors show great potential in continuous real-time in-situ monitoring of oil and natural gas infrastructure. Distributed chemical sensing is emphasized based on recent studies as a promising method to detect early corrosion onset and monitor corrosive environments for corrosion mitigation management. Additionally, challenges are discussed including durability and stability in extreme and harsh conditions such as high temperature high pressure in subsurface wellbores.
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Increasing Onshore Oil Production: An Unexpected Explosion in Trauma Patients. Kans J Med 2018; 11:1-11. [PMID: 29796152 PMCID: PMC5962317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Few data currently exist which are focused on type and severity of onshore oil extraction-related injuries. The purpose of this study was to evaluate injury patterns among onshore oil field operations. METHODS A retrospective review was conducted of all trauma patients aged 18 and older with an onshore oil field-related injury admitted to an American College of Surgeons-verified level 1 trauma center between January 1, 2003 and June 30, 2012. Data collected included demographics, injury severity and details, hospital outcomes, and disposition. RESULTS A total of 66 patients met inclusion criteria. All patients were male, of which the majority were Caucasian (81.8%, n = 54) with an average age of 36.5 ± 11.8 years, injury severity score of 9.4 ± 8.9, and Glasgow Coma Scale score of 13.8 ± 3.4. Extremity injuries were the most common (43.9%, n = 29), and most were the result of being struck by an object (40.9%, n = 27). Approximately one-third of patients (34.8%, n = 23) were admitted to the intensive care unit. Nine patients (13.6%) required mechanical ventilation while 27 (40.9%) underwent operative treatment. The average hospital length of stay was 5.8 ± 16.6 days, and most patients (78.8%, n = 52) were discharged home. Four patients suffered permanent disabilities, and there were two deaths. CONCLUSION Increased domestic onshore oil production inevitably will result in higher numbers of oil field-related traumas. By focusing on employees who are at the greatest risk for injuries and by targeting the main causes of injuries, training programs can lead to a decrease in injury incidence.
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Challenging the immediate causes: A work accident investigation in an oil refinery using organizational analysis. Work 2018; 59:617-636. [PMID: 29733046 DOI: 10.3233/wor-182702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In many companies, investigations of accidents still blame the victims without exploring deeper causes. Those investigations are reactive and have no learning potential. OBJECTIVE This paper aims to debate the historical organizational aspects of a company whose policy was incubating an accident. METHODS The empirical data are analyzed as part of a qualitative study of an accident that occurred in an oil refinery in Brazil in 2014. To investigate and analyse this case we used one-to-one and group interviews, participant observation, Collective Analyses of Work and a documentary review. The analysis was conducted on the basis of concepts of the Organizational Analysis of the event and the Model for Analysis and Prevention of Work Accidents. RESULTS The accident had its origin in the interaction of social and organizational factors, among them being: excessively standardized culture, management tools and outcome indicators that give a false sense of safety, the decision to speed up the project, the change of operator to facilitate this outcome and performance management that encourages getting around the usual barriers. CONCLUSIONS The superficial accident analysis conducted by the company that ignored human and organizational factors reinforces the traditional safety culture and favors the occurrence of new accidents.
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Tailoring Psychosocial Risk Assessment in the Oil and Gas Industry by Exploring Specific and Common Psychosocial Risks. Saf Health Work 2018; 9:63-70. [PMID: 30363066 PMCID: PMC6111110 DOI: 10.1016/j.shaw.2017.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 05/02/2017] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychosocial risk management [Psychosocial Risk Management Approach (PRIMA)] has, through the years, been applied in several organizations in various industries and countries globally. PRIMA principles have also been translated into international frameworks, such as PRIMA-EF (European framework) and the World Health Organization Healthy Workplace Framework. Over the past 10 years, an oil and gas company has put efforts into adopting and implementing international frameworks and standards for psychosocial risk management. More specifically, the company uses a PRIMA. METHODS This study explores available quantitative and qualitative risk data collected through the PRIMA method over the past 8 years in order to explore specific and common psychosocial risks in the petroleum industry. RESULTS The analyses showed a significant correlation between job resources and symptoms of work-related stress, there was a significant correlation between job demands and symptoms of work-related stress, and there were differences in psychosocial risk factors and symptoms of work-related stress onshore and offshore. The study also offers recommendations on how the results can further be utilized in building a robust system for managing psychosocial risks in the industry. CONCLUSION The results from the analyses have provided meaningful and important information about the company-specific psychosocial risk factors and their impact on health and well-being.
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Antipoaching standards in onshore hydrocarbon concessions drawn from a Central African case study. CONSERVATION BIOLOGY : THE JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR CONSERVATION BIOLOGY 2017; 31:696-706. [PMID: 27730677 DOI: 10.1111/cobi.12854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2016] [Revised: 07/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Unsustainable hunting outside protected areas is threatening tropical biodiversity worldwide and requires conservationists to engage increasingly in antipoaching activities. Following the example of ecocertified logging companies, we argue that other extractive industries managing large concessions should engage in antipoaching activities as part of their environmental management plans. Onshore hydrocarbon concessions should also adopt antipoaching protocols as a standard because they represent a biodiversity threat comparable to logging. We examined the spatiotemporal patterns of small- and large-mammal poaching in an onshore oil concession in Gabon, Central Africa, with a Bayesian occupancy model based on signs of poaching collected from 2010 to 2015 on antipoaching patrols. Patrol locations were initially determined based on local intelligence and past patrol successes (adaptive management) and subsequently with a systematic sampling of the concession. We generated maps of poaching probability in the concession and determined the temporal trends of this threat over 5 years. The spatiotemporal patterns of large- and small-mammal poaching differed throughout the concession, and likely these groups will need different management strategies. By elucidating the relationship between site-specific sampling effort and detection probability, the Bayesian method allowed us to set goals for future antipoaching patrols. Our results indicate that a combination of systematic sampling and adaptive management data is necessary to infer spatiotemporal patterns with the statistical method we used. On the basis of our case study, we recommend hydrocarbon companies interested in implementing efficient antipoaching activities in their onshore concessions to lay the foundation of long-needed industry standards by: adequately measuring antipoaching effort; mixing adaptive management and balanced sampling; setting goals for antipoaching effort; pairing patrols with large-mammal monitoring; supporting antipoaching patrols across the landscape; restricting access to their concessions; performing random searches for bushmeat and mammal products at points of entry; controlling urban and agricultural expansion; supporting bushmeat alternatives; and supporting land-use planning.
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Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors for the Oil Industry. SENSORS 2017; 17:s17030429. [PMID: 28241460 PMCID: PMC5375715 DOI: 10.3390/s17030429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2017] [Revised: 02/15/2017] [Accepted: 02/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
With the oil and gas industry growing rapidly, increasing the yield and profit require advances in technology for cost-effective production in key areas of reservoir exploration and in oil-well production-management. In this paper we review our group’s research into fiber Bragg gratings (FBGs) and their applications in the oil industry, especially in the well-logging field. FBG sensors used for seismic exploration in the oil and gas industry need to be capable of measuring multiple physical parameters such as temperature, pressure, and acoustic waves in a hostile environment. This application requires that the FBG sensors display high sensitivity over the broad vibration frequency range of 5 Hz to 2.5 kHz, which contains the important geological information. We report the incorporation of mechanical transducers in the FBG sensors to enable enhance the sensors’ amplitude and frequency response. Whenever the FBG sensors are working within a well, they must withstand high temperatures and high pressures, up to 175 °C and 40 Mpa or more. We use femtosecond laser side-illumination to ensure that the FBGs themselves have the high temperature resistance up to 1100 °C. Using FBG sensors combined with suitable metal transducers, we have experimentally realized high- temperature and pressure measurements up to 400 °C and 100 Mpa. We introduce a novel technology of ultrasonic imaging of seismic physical models using FBG sensors, which is superior to conventional seismic exploration methods. Compared with piezoelectric transducers, FBG ultrasonic sensors demonstrate superior sensitivity, more compact structure, improved spatial resolution, high stability and immunity to electromagnetic interference (EMI). In the last section, we present a case study of a well-logging field to demonstrate the utility of FBG sensors in the oil and gas industry.
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Flow Rates Measurement and Uncertainty Analysis in Multiple-Zone Water-Injection Wells from Fluid Temperature Profiles. SENSORS 2016; 16:s16071077. [PMID: 27420068 PMCID: PMC4970123 DOI: 10.3390/s16071077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2016] [Revised: 06/09/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
This work is a contribution to the development of flow sensors in the oil and gas industry. It presents a methodology to measure the flow rates into multiple-zone water-injection wells from fluid temperature profiles and estimate the measurement uncertainty. First, a method to iteratively calculate the zonal flow rates using the Ramey (exponential) model was described. Next, this model was linearized to perform an uncertainty analysis. Then, a computer program to calculate the injected flow rates from experimental temperature profiles was developed. In the experimental part, a fluid temperature profile from a dual-zone water-injection well located in the Northeast Brazilian region was collected. Thus, calculated and measured flow rates were compared. The results proved that linearization error is negligible for practical purposes and the relative uncertainty increases as the flow rate decreases. The calculated values from both the Ramey and linear models were very close to the measured flow rates, presenting a difference of only 4.58 m³/d and 2.38 m³/d, respectively. Finally, the measurement uncertainties from the Ramey and linear models were equal to 1.22% and 1.40% (for injection zone 1); 10.47% and 9.88% (for injection zone 2). Therefore, the methodology was successfully validated and all objectives of this work were achieved.
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Corporate Diversity Programs and Gender Inequality in the Oil and Gas Industry. WORK AND OCCUPATIONS 2014; 41:440-476. [PMID: 25558125 PMCID: PMC4279861 DOI: 10.1177/0730888414539172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Since the 1980s, major U.S. corporations have embraced diversity as a management strategy to increase the number of women in top jobs. Diversity management programs include targeted recruitment, hiring, and promotions policies; mentoring programs; affinity groups; and diversity training. Few of these programs have proven effective in achieving gender diversity in the corporate world, despite their widespread popularity. To explore the reasons for this, the authors investigate the experiences of women scientists in the oil and gas industry who are targeted by these programs. In-depth interviews reveal possible reasons why these programs fail to achieve their intended goals. The authors find that these programs can paradoxically reinforce gender inequality and male dominance in the industry. The authors discuss alternative approaches for addressing gender inequality in work organizations and conclude with implications of their findings for corporate approaches to promoting diversity and for future research.
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Occupational exposures in the oil and gas extraction industry: State of the science and research recommendations. Am J Ind Med 2014; 57:847-56. [PMID: 24634090 DOI: 10.1002/ajim.22316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/07/2014] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The oil and gas extraction industry is rapidly growing due to horizontal drilling and high volume hydraulic fracturing (HVHF). This growth has provided new jobs and economic stimulus. The industry occupational fatality rate is 2.5 times higher than the construction industry and 7 times higher than general industry; however injury rates are lower than the construction industry, suggesting injuries are not being reported. Some workers are exposed to crystalline silica at hazardous levels, above occupational health standards. Other hazards (particulate, benzene, noise, radiation) exist. In this article, we review occupational fatality and injury rate data; discuss research looking at root causes of fatal injuries and hazardous exposures; review interventions aimed at improving occupational health and safety; and discuss information gaps and areas of needed research. We also describe Wyoming efforts to improve occupational safety in this industry, as a case example.
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Gendered Organizations in the New Economy. GENDER & SOCIETY : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF SOCIOLOGISTS FOR WOMEN IN SOCIETY 2012; 26:549-573. [PMID: 25419048 PMCID: PMC4236831 DOI: 10.1177/0891243212445466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Gender scholars draw on the "theory of gendered organizations" to explain persistent gender inequality in the workplace. This theory argues that gender inequality is built into work organizations in which jobs are characterized by long-term security, standardized career ladders and job descriptions, and management controlled evaluations. Over the past few decades, this basic organizational logic has been transformed. in the so-called new economy, work is increasingly characterized by job insecurity, teamwork, career maps, and networking. Using a case study of geoscientists in the oil and gas industry, we apply a gender lens to this evolving organization of work. This article extends Acker's theory of gendered organizations by identifying the mechanisms that reproduce gender inequality in the twenty-first-century workplace, and by suggesting appropriate policy approaches to remedy these disparities.
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