What does La Niña mean for Texas oilfields?

The 2015-2016 period was characterized by a strong el niño, which is a warming pattern in the waters of the eastern Pacific Ocean. This warming pattern is temporary and causes wet summers and a milder hurricane season for Texas. The el niño has also decreased the...

Why is Smoking Banned in my Oilfield?

Smoking is well known as a common vice that many workers are addicted to. In addition to being detrimental to the worker’s health, it is also a possible safety hazard. The lit tip of a cigarette is hot enough to ignite oil and gas, causing an explosion. In most well...

Cold Weather Illnesses

  Oilfield operations during winter in the United States can become hazardously cold. Certain locations are more hazardous than others. In South Texas, where the Eagle Ford Shale is located, temperatures on occasional years can become so cold that ice becomes...

Oilfield Distractions

While at work in the oilfields it is critically important to stay focused on the work at hand. If a worker’s focus becomes distracted, then the worker can unwittingly become exposed to existing and developing hazards. It’s important to understand the possible...

How to get an oil job

Working in the oil and gas industry is one of the most difficult and dangerous lines of work. The pay is high, but the hours are also extremely long. Labor in the oilfields is hard work and excuses are never allowed. Oil industry veterans revel in the challenge. These...

Notable US Presidents in Oil and Gas History

WILLIAM HOWARD TAFT 27TH U.S. PRESIDENT Recognizing the need for a reliable source of oil to power the American Navy during times of war, President Taft set up a series of areas to be set aside as a Naval Petroleum Reserve. These areas include: NPR 1&2 in Southern...

Does SafeLand Cover Lockout-Tagout (LOTO)?

  Lockout-tagout procedures are intended to protect workers from potentially permanent injury or death while working on equipment and is an important part of a SafeLand curriculum. When energy is stored in a piece of equipment, it can be released both if...

Does SafeLand train for onshore operations?

We orient oilfield workers to SafeLand through the high quality IADC Rig Pass program. This orientation contains several topics that are important for onshore oilfield workers. Driving and Check-in The most dangerous activity in the oilfield, on a statistical basis,...

What are Frack Hits?

-‘Frack’ is a misspelling of the term frac, see our article on frac hits here. Frac is short for “Hydraulic Fracturing,” which is a stimulation treatment performed to enhance the productivity of a completion. Enhanced productivity is achieved...