Texas Mutual Policy Holders have access to numerous FREE safety resources on Texas Mutual's website as well as texasoilandgassafety.com

Oil and Gas Industry Hazards

Top Hazards:

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Burns

Struck By

Caught-in-Between

Slips, Trips and Falls

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TAEP Safety Group Hazards

Top Hazards:

Struck By

Caught-in-Between

Strain/Injury

Slips, Trips and Falls

2018 closed with 106 claims up from 99 claims in 2017

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Texas Alliance of Energy Producers (TAEP) Pumping up Wellness for Energy Production Workers

Texans are a tough breed, and among the toughest are oil and natural gas workers. While black gold has long been a mainstay in the Lone Star State’s economy, energy production environments can be punishing.

Oil and gas workers encounter constant pressure for efficient production, high physical demands, long workdays and time away from home. These factors can take a hefty toll on new and veteran workers alike and can contribute to accidents and injuries. Energy production workers face a significant risk of injury, so meticulous attention to industrial safety is required.

Based on the experience of Texas Mutual Insurance Company’s Texas Alliance of Energy Producers (TAEP) safety group, the most common causes of injury among oil and gas employees are:

1.    Falls/slips or trips. Oil and gas employees work in environments where slippery surfaces are common place and work areas contain an abundance of tools and equipment.

2.    Sprains and strains. Heavy or hard-to-reach items can lead to worker injury due to overreaching or trips.Field hands and rig workers also can suffer from strains due to improper lifting.

3.    Struck-by injuries. Workers who are tired or taking shortcuts can misuse equipment or not follow set procedures. This can lead to a higher chance of struck-by accidents.

4.    Cuts, punctures and scrapes. Thanks to frequent contact with tools, equipment and machinery, energy workers can incur lacerations or puncture wounds.

5.    Motor vehicle accidents. Accidents from driving or riding in a motor vehicle account for severe injuries or fatalities, something no one wants to happen. Safety programs and worker training can help prevent poor habits and improper behavior behind the wheel.

For the last five years, these injuries have accounted for more than 79 percent of all energy production-based claims.

Fueling Worker Safety

Oil and gas is one of the most heavily regulated industries in the country, and the industry has invested millions of dollars to help create safer work environments. Yet, the demands of the field inherently fatigue workers, and unfamiliarity with work sites and poor housekeeping create further hazards. Additionally, turnover can be high and the workforce can be young or inexperienced.

That leaves plenty of opportunities for improvement, and energy production workers’ safety may well depend on it.

Safety Groups Offer Answers and Rewards

How can energy producers help prevent-on-the-job injuries, reduce associated costs and even earn rewards for safety? WorkSafeTexas.com offers many tools, resources and best practices to help employers and employees in the oil and gas production industry build or enhance their safety programs.

Additionally, consider being part of a safety group. Texas Mutual’s Texas Alliance of Energy Producers (TAEP) safety group helps improve the well-being of others and can significantly lower employer costs by helping reduce on-the-job injuries and illnesses, creating a healthier workplace and providing competitively priced workers' compensation insurance. The group uses practical, cost-effective and proven methods.

Here’s how it works.

• Eligible oil and gas production businesses join the safety group.
• A safety services specialist with specific industry experience will contact and work with you to help you find the right tools to help keep your workers safe.
• You have immediate 24/7 access to proven, customizable tools and resources specifically for safety group members through texasmutual.com.
• You can identify areas that need improvement and implement successful strategies.
• Members may earn rewards two ways–through group and individual dividends.
• Members may be able to lower their workers’ compensation premiums.

Not all energy producers are eligible for the safety group. Members must provide evidence of safety programs and performance. While Texas Mutual has returned more than $2.5 billion to safety-conscious policyholders since 1999,dividends are not guaranteed.

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