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. 2017 Apr 28;66(16):417-421.
doi: 10.15585/mmwr.mm6616a2.

Occupational Fatalities Resulting from Falls in the Oil and Gas Extraction Industry, United States, 2005-2014

Krystal L Mason, Kyla D Retzer, Ryan Hill, Jennifer M Lincoln

Occupational Fatalities Resulting from Falls in the Oil and Gas Extraction Industry, United States, 2005-2014

Krystal L Mason et al. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep. .

Abstract

During 2003-2013, fatality rates for oil and gas extraction workers decreased for all causes of death except those associated with fall events, which increased 2% annually during 2003-2013 (1). To better understand risk factors for these events, CDC examined fatal fall events in the oil and gas extraction industry during 2005-2014 using data from case investigations conducted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Sixty-three fatal falls were identified, accounting for 15% of all fatal events. Among fatal falls, 33 (52%) workers fell from a height of >30 feet (9 meters), and 22 (35%) fell from the derrick board, the elevated work platform located in the derrick (structure used to support machinery on a drilling rig). Fall fatalities occurred most frequently when drilling rigs were being assembled or disassembled at the well site (rigging up or rigging down) (14; 22%) or when workers were removing or inserting drill pipe into the wellbore (14; 22%). Measures that target derrickmen and workers engaged in assembling and disassembling drilling rigs (rigging up and down) could reduce falls in this industry. Companies should annually update their fall protection plans and ensure effective fall prevention programs are in place for workers at highest risk for falls, including providing trainings on proper use, fit, and inspection of personal protective equipment.

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Figures

FIGURE 1
FIGURE 1
An oilfield derrickman climbing up to the derrick board
FIGURE 2
FIGURE 2
Fatalities resulting from falls in the oil and gas extraction industry (N = 63), by state — United States, 2005–2014
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

    1. Mason KL, Retzer KD, Hill R, Lincoln JM. Occupational fatalities during the oil and gas boom—United States, 2003–2013. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2015;64:551–4. - PMC - PubMed
    1. United States Census Bureau. North American Industry Classification System. Washington, DC: United States Census Bureau; 2012. https://www.census.gov/eos/www/naics/index.html
    1. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Occupational Injury and Illness Classification System. Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services; CDC; National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; 2015. https://wwwn.cdc.gov/wisards/oiics/Trees/MultiTree.aspx?TreeType=Event
    1. Retzer KD, Ridl S, Hill R. Oil and gas extraction worker fatalities 2014 mid-year report: January 2, 1014–June 30, 2014; 2014. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2015-239/pdfs/2015-239.pdf
    1. National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health. Strategic precautions against fatal falls on the job are recommended by NIOSH. Atlanta, GA: US Department of Health and Human Services; CDC; National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health; 2001. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/updates/fatalfal.html