In Texas and throughout the United States, innovations in safety technology are changing the way oil fields operate, making the industry safer and more efficient.
The oil and gas injury attorneys at Haun Mena explain the importance of safety in Texas oil fields and discuss the emerging technologies helping improve it.
The Importance of Safety in Texas Oil Fields
The oil and gas industry has above-average injury rates. Between 2015-2022, there were 2,101 severe injuries in the oil and gas industry in the United States. To count as severe, an injury must have resulted in amputation, loss of an eye, or required hospitalization.
Thousands more oil and gas workers suffered mild or moderate injuries. In addition, there were 470 fatalities reported in seven years, from 2014-2019.
Safe practices save lives, improve working conditions, and improve the overall well-being of the industry.
Source: CDC, Severe Work-Related Injuries in the Oil and Gas Extraction Industry — 32 Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration Jurisdictions, United States, January 2015–July 2022.
In the measured period, severe oil and gas injuries peaked in 2018 before beginning to decline. There were sharp declines in 2020 and 2021, although the COVID pandemic may have played a role in overall activity.
Not only can technology improve production efficiency, but it can also help avoid things that cause injuries and production failures. Several categories of technology have developed in recent years that may improve oil and gas industry safety.
Types of Safety Technology for Oil Fields in Texas
Drones
Drones can enter tight spaces, go high and low, and don’t suffer from human fatigue.
Where a person may have had to travel to a job site before, risking motor vehicle injury and the inherent dangers of oil and gas work, some tasks may now be completed by drone. Visible inspections of pipelines, oil rigs, and other infrastructure can be completed faster and without risk to individual safety.
Personal protective devices and monitoring devices
Common personal protective equipment (PPE) includes a safety vest, helmet, goggles, and gloves.
However, today’s PPE goes far beyond clothing alone. Personal protective equipment can help monitor workers.
For example, a smartwatch can monitor a person’s heart rate. Sensors on clothing can detect falls.
Temperature monitors can reveal when extra precautions may need to be taken for heat or cold. Monitors can detect smoke, gas, dust, and sound. Workers can use this data to adjust their activity for safety.
Another way personal protective equipment technology can improve safety is through monitoring its use.
It can reveal when workers are not using their PPE and can alert if workers are alone when they should be working in groups.
If a person has an emergency, such as a fall or health emergency, technology may be able to alert others, identifying the location of a worker in the event of an emergency.
Simulations
Workers can train more safely using simulations than in actual situations and can study how to react to adverse conditions in a controlled environment. Using simulated training, workers can be exposed to the types of dangers that may arise, preparing to respond appropriately.
System Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems
SCADA systems use hardware and software to control and monitor industrial processes. Workers can oversee operations remotely, detecting errors and malfunctions. They can then interact with sensors, valves, pumps, and motors to adjust operations. This technology can enable workers to make repairs more quickly and prevent catastrophic events.
Automated Intelligence (AI)
AI can allow for fast response to changing conditions. Rather than having humans monitor conditions and determine the needed changes, the process can be automated. AI can be used for active operations and inventory management.
Data and Data Security
The availability and security of data can improve safety for oil fields in Texas. The ease of acquiring and storing data can allow for efficient risk evaluation and management. In addition, cloud computing may ease the storage and exchange of information while minimizing the risk of inappropriate access.
Safety Improvements in Texas Oil Fields
Improvements in Texas oil field safety may occur in several ways:
- Emergency response to worker injury
- Planning for weather and adjusting to adverse weather events
- Responding to warning signs and dangers
- Minimizing the risk of catastrophic events
- Identifying human factors, ensuring the use of PPE
- Reducing the use of humans to monitor and perform tasks manually
- Giving more information for use in decision-making
- Tracking, communicating, and information sharing
- Better training and education
- Reducing human error
While safety technology doesn’t eliminate risk in the Texas oil fields, it can reduce the risks and give people the tools they need to implement safe practices.
Technology is not without concerns. Workers may have concerns about privacy and personal information if their information is monitored through wearable devices while on the job. There may be problems with false alarms and adverse actions taken against workers even though information is wrong or incomplete.
Employees must be trained to appropriately use safety technology.
Of course, the implementation of safety technology is not a substitute for safe worker practices. Workers must still be given training and education about proper procedures along with resources, time, and personnel to work safely.
Contact Our Oil Field Accident Lawyers Today
If you have been injured in an oil field in Texas, we invite you to contact Haun Mena. Our team will investigate your case. We look at what safety technology was in place, what should have been in place, and how you may receive maximum compensation and benefits.
We represent people who have been hurt in the oil fields in Texas and can handle all aspects of your case.
Call or message us today to talk about your case and get legal help now.
