GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. Your Oil and Gas Partner

Combat Risks. OSHA Compliance. Ensure Safety.

Our agency can deliver the strategies, tools and resources that will help you manage your oil and gas industry risks, control workers’ compensation claim costs, advance safety and boost employee morale.

We Have All the Slick Tools!

Our agency can help you build solid loss control and safety programs to help you stay on top of your biggest risk management and compliance challenges.

Contact GDI Insurance Agency, Inc. for your Oil and Gas Industry insurance quote 1-888-991-2929.

Workplace Safety Programs

Our oil and gas industry safety manual and employee safety resources can provide your place of business with useful injury prevention information.

OSHA Compliance and Recordkeeping

OSHA means business and we have the necessary information for you to ensure that your business remains compliant with their rules and regulations.

Managing Risks

We have the risk management expertise to help you plan and control resources and activities in order to cost-effectively fulfill your objectives.

Building a Safety Culture

Our employee safety materials help you promote a safety-minded workplace. We can provide information about servicing, drilling, rigging, etc. for your employees.

Claims Cost Containment

We can help you to control workers’ compensation claims by establishing a safety policy, adopting a Return-to-Work Program, streamlining reporting procedures, identifying top loss sources and mitigating legal expenses, all with our tools.

A Note to Management

Bloodborne Pathogens		Confined Space Entry
Electrical Safety		Emergency Action Plan
Fall Protection		Fire Extinguisher Program
Fire Prevention		Hand Tool Safety
Hazard Communication		Hazardous Waste Operations
Hearing Conservation		Hot Work (Welding)
Ladder Safety		LPG and Compressed Gas Safety
Lockout/Tagout		Machine Safeguarding
Material Handling & Crane Safety		Personal Protective Equipment Program
Powered Industrial Trucks		Respiratory Protection Program

Additional federal and state compliance may be required.

This employee manual is designed to promote safety and address worksite hazards specific to the onshore oil and gas industry. Its scope is general in nature, may not address all worksite hazards, and may need to be further customized to represent your drilling and well servicing operation.
Safety compliance guidelines are administered by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Exposures to hazards present in oil and gas well drilling, servicing and storage are addressed in specific OSHA standards for general industry 29 CFR 1910.
- Additional information is available about the OSHA standards, directives, standard interpretations, state standards, other federal standards and national consensus standards related to oil and gas well drilling and servicing at: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/oilgaswelldrilling/standards.html
- The following OSHA link identifies common hazards and possible solutions to reduce incidents that could lead to injuries or fatalities specific to each area of oil and gas well drilling and servicing: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/oilandgas/index.html
- Additional oil and gas industry resources are also available from the following organizations:American Petroleum Institute (API), Association of Energy Service Companies (AESC), International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC), Independent Petroleum Association of America (IPAA), Petroleum Extension Service (PETEX)
Please note that the SAFETY PROGRAM PROCEDURES – OIL & GAS section of this employee safety manual is designed to address frequently-cited job hazards in the oil and gas industry to include the following OSHA general industry standards:
This article does not address specific Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations specific to the Oil and Gas industry. More information is available from the following DOT website: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/administration/fmcsr/fmcsrruletext.asp?section=395.1

Company Handout:

Commitment to Safety

Our Company recognizes that working in the oil and gas industry has unique hazards. As the most critical resource, employees will be safeguarded through training, provision of appropriate work surroundings, and procedures that foster protection of health and safety. All work conducted by this Company’s employees will take into account the intent of this policy. No duty, no matter what its perceived result, will be deemed more important than employee health and safety.

Our Company is firmly committed to the safety of our employees. We will do everything possible to prevent workplace accidents and we are committed to providing a safe working environment for all employees.

We value our employees not only as employees but also as human beings critical to the success of their family, the local community, and our Company.

Employees are encouraged to report any unsafe work practices or safety hazards encountered on the job. All accidents/incidents (no matter how slight) are to be immediately reported to the supervisor on duty.

A key factor in implementing this policy will be the strict compliance to all applicable federal, state, local, and Company policies and procedures. Failure to comply with these policies may result in disciplinary actions.

Respecting this, we will make every reasonable effort to provide a safe and healthful workplace that is free from any recognized or known potential hazards. Additionally, our Company subscribes to these principles:

All accidents are preventable through implementation of effective safety and health control policies and programs.
Safety and health controls are a major part of our work every day.
Accident prevention is good business. It minimizes human suffering, promotes better working conditions for everyone, holds our Company in higher regard with customers, and increases productivity. This is why we will comply with all safety and health regulations which apply to the course and scope of operations.
Management is responsible for providing the safest possible workplace for employees. Consequently, management is committed to allocating and providing all of the resources needed to promote and effectively implement this safety policy.
Employees are responsible for following safe work practices and company rules, and for preventing accidents and injuries. Management will establish lines of communication to solicit and receive comments, information, suggestions and assistance from employees where safety and health are concerned.
Management and supervisors will set an exemplary example with good attitudes and strong commitment to safety and health in the workplace. Toward this end, Management must monitor company safety and health performance, working environment and conditions to ensure that program objectives are achieved.
Our safety program applies to all employees and persons affected or associated in any way by the scope of this business. Everyone’s goal must be to constantly improve safety awareness and to prevent accidents and injuries.

Everyone at this Company must be involved and committed to safety. This must be a team effort. Together, we can prevent accidents and injuries. Together, we can keep each other safe and healthy in the work that provides our livelihood.

GENERAL SERVICING PRECAUTIONS for the OIL AND GAS WELL DRILLING INDUSTRYM

Wells often need maintenance or service on surface or down-hole equipment to stay in good working order. Working on an existing well to restore or increase oil and gas production is an important part of today’s petroleum industry, yet these operations present many occupational hazards for workers. The following list highlights potential hazards and safety solutions to promote a hazard-free work environment.

PROCESS: Removing the Horsehead

Hazards:

Unit starts up while working on the equipment.
Being struck by counterweights on the pumping unit.
Being struck by a dropped horsehead or caught between the horsehead and walking beam.
Falling from high elevations.

Solutions:

Use lockout/tagout to mechanically secure the flywheel.
Inspect all slings before use.
Use tag lines to position the horsehead when removing or lowering, and to keep employees clear of suspended loads.
Use the correct tools for the task at hand.
Keep fingers and hands away from pinch points.
Secure tools from falling, and keep areas below clear of others.
Use proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and abide by the fall protection program.

PROCESS: Removing the Wellhead and Pulling and Running Rods

Hazards:

Being struck by released pressure or flying particles.
Being struck by the wrench or hammer while removing bolts and fittings.
Getting caught between the wellhead, hydraulic wrenches and wellhead fittings.
Getting your fingers and hands pinched and caught between flanges and valves.
Falling into well cellars.

Solutions:

Stand clear of valves and fittings when removing the fitting or bleeding off pressure.
Check the wellhead pressure and bleed pressure off before removal.
Wear proper PPE (hard hat, work gloves and safety-toed footwear) and safety glasses or goggles.
Keep your fingers and hands away from pinch points.
Cover open cellars and wear appropriate fall protection.
Use caution while others are working overhead.
Avoid carrying tools while climbing the derrick ladder. Instead, raise tools with a line to any worker above the derrick floor.

PROCESS: Pulling and Running Tubing

Hazards:

Being struck by elevators and traveling blocks as they are raised and lowered.
Getting fingers and hands pinched between elevators and tongs or tubing collars.

Solutions:

Stand clear of tongs and slip areas when lowering the elevator and traveling block.
Use handles on elevators as they are descending into place over the tubing.
Inspect and maintain all ladder equipment.

PROCESS: Handling Tubulars

Hazards:

Being struck by rolling or falling tubulars.
Being struck by or caught between tubular and other objects during movement.
Slips, trips and falls.

Solutions:

Use the forklift properly and safely.
Work the tubular from the ends, from ground level.
Chock or pin tubulars on the racks and level your pipe racks properly.
Stand clear of suspended, hoisted or moving loads. Be aware of tubular or equipment being lifted through the V-door.
Before each tour, inspect wire rope and slings, catline ropes and knots, and chains and hooks.

PROCESS: Drilling Fluid

Hazards:

Burns or physical injury caused by contact with the skin or eyes.
Being exposed to explosions or violent reactions from chemicals that were mixed improperly.

Solutions:

Follow the safe handling procedures found on the Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for all chemicals used.
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the face and eyes.
Wear appropriate respiratory protection when handling chemicals and/or mud additives.
Use proper mixing procedures.
Use designated containers for mixing certain chemicals and substitute less hazardous materials or use pre-mixed mud, when possible.

PROCESS: Drilling

Hazards:

Being struck by tongs, the make-up chain or pipe.
Being caught between collars and tongs, the spinning chain and pipe.
Strains and sprains during lifting and controlling the movement of drill collars, bit breaker, pipe and tongs.

Solutions:

Stand outside of the tong swing radius when breaking pipe, and use proper tong latching techniques and proper hand and finger placement on the tong handles.
Stand clear of the rotary table when it is moving.
Use proper lifting techniques and hoist items slowly to limit pipe momentum.
Use mechanical lifting aids, such as a rig floor winch.
Use a tail rope to guide, as necessary.

PROCESS: Preparing to Break Out Pipe

Hazards:

Pinching fingers or other body parts between slips or slip handles and the rotary table.
Muscle strain from improper lifting techniques.
Pinching fingers when latching the tongs onto the pipe.

Solutions:

Use proper finger and hand placement on slip handles and tong handles, and use proper tong latching techniques.

PROCESS: Breaking Out Pipe

Hazards:

Being struck by swinging tongs, if the tong dies fail or if the tong counterweight lines were to break.
Being struck by slip handles, if the rotary table is used to spin the drill string.
Reverse backlash of tongs during spinning out operations.
Release of excess drilling mud, resulting in skin contact, loss of footing, etc.

Solutions:

Inspect tong dies, counterweight cables and snub lines tourly, and prior to each trip.
Workers other than the tong operators should stand outside the tong swing radius when breaking pipe.
Use proper tong latching techniques, and proper hand and finger placement on the tong handles.
Stand clear of the rotary table when it is moving.
Use special operating procedures when using a high torque connection.
Use a mud basket to direct mud down into the rotary table.
Close the mud saver valve on the kelly, if present.

PROCESS: Making Up Pipe in the Mousehole

Hazards:

Being struck or pinched by the kelly.
Losing footing while swinging the kelly out over the mousehole and stabbing it into a new joint of pipe.
Being struck by or caught in the spinning chain.

Solutions:

Keep the work area around the rotating table clean and clear of mud, ice, snow, debris and other materials that may cause slipping or tripping.
Inspect the chain for broken or distorted links. Chains with metal reduced by wear at any point less than 90 percent of its original cross section area should be discarded.
Lubricate and maintain guide rollers to prevent undue wear on the chain or cable.

PROCESS: Raising the Kelly and New Joint

Hazards:

Being struck by debris or overhead objects, if the traveling block runs into the crown block or if the traveling block or swivel hits the derrick.
Being struck by the kelly or rope.

Solutions:

Install a crown safety device on the draw works and ensure that it is functioning properly.
Stay clear of the potential swing path of the kelly and pipe.

PROCESS: Adding Pipe to the String

Hazards:

Being struck by the kelly and pipe, tongs or jerk.
Being caught between the swinging pipe and the tongs.
Being caught between the joint of the pipe being stabbed and the stump.
Getting pinched between the tongs or pipe spinner and the pipe.

Solutions:

Never step over the jerk chain and stay clear of the spinning chain when a connection is being made.
Keep your feet and legs away from underneath the tongs when the pipe is being stabbed.
Keep your hands away from the end of the stump or inside of the pipe.
Use proper tong latching techniques, and hand and finger placement on tong handles.
Never stand or walk near suspended loads.

PROCESS: Resuming Drilling

Hazards:

Being thrown off the rotary table when it is engaged or getting caught in the machine by loose clothing.

Solutions:

Stand clear of the rotary table and ensure that your clothing is snug-fitting.

Source: Occupational Safety & Health Administration

Oil and Gas Operations job Safety Analysis

Today, many companies within the oil and gas industry use the Job Safety Analysis Process (also referred to as a JSA, Job Hazard Analysis, or JHA). The JSA is a very effective means of helping reduce incidents, accidents, and injuries in the workplace. It is an excellent tool to use during new employee orientations and training and can also be used to investigate “near misses” and accidents.

To start the JSA Process, select the job or task to be performed. Any job that has hazards or potential hazards is a candidate for a JSA. An uncommon or seldom-performed job is also a candidate for a JSA.

Forms or worksheets may vary from company to company but the idea remains the same. Identify all steps, hazards, and safe work procedures before starting the job.

The JSA Process is a multi-step process:

Basic Job Steps:Break the job into a sequence of steps. Each of the steps should accompany some major task. That task will consist of a series of movements. Look at each series of movements within that basic task.
Potential Hazards:To complete a JSA effectively, you must identify the hazards or potential hazards associated with each step. Every possible source of energy must be identified. It is very important to look at the entire environment to determine every conceivable hazard that might exist. Hazards contribute to accidents and injuries.
Recommended Safe Job Procedures:Using the Sequence of Basic Job Steps and Potential Hazards, decide what actions are necessary to eliminate, control, or minimize hazards that could lead to accidents, injuries, damage to the environment, or possible occupational illness. Each safe job procedure or action must correspond to the job steps and identified hazards.

Everyone involved in implementing a job or task should be present when the JSA is written! The JSA should be reviewed, approved, and signed by the supervisor before the task is started. Understanding every job step is very important! Whenever a job step changes or a new step is introduced, the JSA must be reviewed and updated.

Remember, the key reasons for completing a JSA are to encourage teamwork (especially with new employees), to involve everyone performing the job in the process, and to elevate awareness!

The following sample worksheet will help you to develop Job Analysis worksheets for all oil and well drilling and servicing functions.

CASING OPERATIONS PRECAUTIONS for the OIL AND GAS WELL DRILLING INDUSTRY

Casing is pipe usually larger in diameter and longer than drill pipe, and is used to line the hole. Casing operations occur periodically throughout the drilling process, starting with the surface casing, intermediate casing and then the production string process. To ensure worker safety during casing operations, review the following hazards and potential safety solutions.

PROCESS: Installing Casing Tools

Hazards:

Being struck by or caught between tubulars and other objects during movement.
Strains and sprains from maneuvering tools.
Falling from work platforms and/or stabbing boards.

Solutions:

Stand clear of suspended, hoisted or moving loads. Be aware of tubulars or equipment being lifted through the V-door.
Use proper hand and foot placement to avoid pinch points.
Use a rig floor winch or other powered equipment to handle heavy casing tools.
Use fall protection while installing equipment in the derrick.

PROCESS: Running Casing into the Hole

Hazards:

Getting caught between, struck by or pinched by the power tongs, casing or other equipment.
Being struck by or caught between tubulars or other equipment during movement.
Falling from the stabbing board or work platform.

Solutions:

Implement the full fall protection program for the casing stabber.
Identify clearance between the stabbing board and casing elevators.
Secure all items used by the casing stabber overhead with a safety line.

PROCESS: Installing Casing Accessories

Hazards:

Dropping the guide shoe or float collar on your legs or foot.
Getting your fingers pinched between tools and casing tongs when manually moving the guide shoe or float collar.
Back strains
Exposure to hazardous materials, especially thread lock compounds.

Solutions:

Use winch, air hoist or other powered equipment to handle the guide shoe, float collar or other heavy casing equipment.
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), as required by Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) for each hazardous material used.

PROCESS: Circulating and Cementing

Hazards:

Being struck by high-pressure lines failing, if not secured properly.
High pressure connection failure caused by mismatched or excessively worn hammer unions.

Solutions:

Hobble high-pressure lines properly.
Use proper equipment inspection techniques to include hammer unions.

Source: Occupational Safety & Health Administration

Fall Prevention Precautions for Oil and Gas Workers

Handrails, guardrails, stairways, walkways and ladders are installed during the rigging up process for safety and easy access to other areas of the site. Though these objects provide ease of use, they also present hazards. To reduce your risk of injury, follow these safety suggestions:

Use ladders that are in good repair and do not have missing rungs.
Do not install stairs with missing or damaged steps. Instead, repair them before installing them.
Keep walkways clean and free of debris and tripping hazards.
Use proper fall protection.
Place guardrails in place prior to working in elevated areas.

Fall Protection Maintenance

In addition to practicing ladder safety la, you should also keep your fall protection system in good working order. To do so, inspect your equipment daily.

Webbing (body of belt, harness or lanyard)

Inspect the entire surface of webbing for damage. Beginning at one end, bend the webbing in an inverted “U.” Holding the body side of the belt toward you, grasp the belt with your hands six to eight inches apart.
Watch for frayed edges, broken fibers, pulled stitches, cuts or chemical damage. Broken webbing strands generally appear as tufts on the webbing surface.
Replace according to manufacturers’ guidelines.

Buckle

Inspect for loose, distorted or broken grommets. Do not cut or punch additional holes in waist strap or strength members.
Check belt without grommets for torn or elongated holes that could cause the buckle tongue to slip.
Inspect the buckle for distortion and sharp edges. The outer and center bars must be straight. Carefully check corners and attachment points of the center bar. They should overlap the buckle frame and move freely back and forth in their sockets. The roller should turn freely on the frame.
Check that rivets are tight and cannot be moved. The body side of the rivet base and outside rivet burr should be flat against the material. Make sure the rivets are not bent.
Inspect for pitted or cracked rivets that show signs of chemical corrosion.

Rope Lanyard

Rotate the rope lanyard and inspect from end to end for fuzzy, worn, broken or cut fibers. Weakened areas have noticeable changes in the original rope diameter.
The older a rope is and the more use it gets, the more important testing and inspection become.

Harness Hardware (snaps or “D” rings)

Inspect hardware for cracks or other defects. Replace the belt if the “D” ring is not at a 90° angle and does not move vertically independent of the body pad or “D” saddle.
Check bag rings and knife snaps to see that they are secure and working properly. Check tool loop rivets. Check for thread separation or rotting, both inside and outside the body pad belt.

Inspect snaps for hook and eye distortions, cracks, corrosion, or pitted surfaces. The keeper (latch) should be seated into the snap nose without binding and should not be distorted or obstructed. The keeper spring should exert sufficient force to close the keeper firmly.

Safety Straps

Inspect for cut fibers or damaged stitches inch by inch by flexing the strap in an inverted “U.” Note cuts, frayed areas or corrosion damage.
Check friction buckle for slippage and sharp buckle edges.
Replace when tongue buckle holes are excessively worn or elongated.

Basic Oil and Gas Drilling Safety

Oil drilling is an intricate process that involves lots of manpower and skill. With so many moving parts and hands on deck, you not only need to perform your job, you need to perform it with safety in mind.

Once drilling begins, there are several hazards that you must be aware of and take into consideration to reduce your risk of injury. These risks may include:

Being struck by tongs, the make-up chain or pipe.
Being caught between collars and tongs, spinning chains and pipes.
Experiencing strains and sprains during lifting or controlling movement of drill collars, bit breakers, pipes and tongs.

Injury Avoidance Suggestions

To reduce your risk of injury while drilling, take these safety precautions into consideration:

Implement an effective pipe handling, make-up and break-out procedure by:
Standing outside the tong swing radium when breaking pipe.
Using proper tong latching techniques and proper hand and finger placement on the tong handles.
Standing clear of the rotary table when it is moving.
Use a tall rope on the spinning chain to keep your hands free from the danger area.
Use proper lifting techniques to avoid strains and hoist slowly to limit pipe momentum. Or, use mechanical lifting aids to assist.

Watch Out for Slipping Hazards

Slip, Trip and Fall Precautions for Oil and Gas Workers

There are many ways in which you can protect yourself against slips, trips and falls on the jobsite, especially when things get a little “oily” and slick.

Keep the following suggestions in mind to avoid these hazards while you are at work:

Wear personal protective equipment (PPE), such as a hard hat, work gloves, safety shoes and eye protection in case you fall.
Be aware of slipping and falling hazards when working on the drilling floor, serving rig floors and other platforms.
Use guardrails and guards around work areas that are prone to slips, trips and falls.
Install, inspect and secure stairs and handrails.
Use ladders only in good repair that do not have missing rungs.
Do not install stairs with missing or damaged steps.
Keep walkways clean and free of debris or other tripping hazards.
Keep all cords and hoses orderly and clear of walking spaces.
Cover open cellar holes.
Conduct a pre-job inspection to identify, and consequently eliminate or correct hazardous working conditions.
Wear waterproof footgear to decrease your chance of slipping and falling.</li

Maintain Good Housekeeping

If you notice messes, clean them up. This will eliminate your risk of slipping and falling, and will prevent others from doing the same. If everyone on the jobsite does their part, you will all be safer for it!