Health & Safety

Hand injuries are the most common of all work-related injuries. Employees should pay attention to where they place their hand, wear gloves and use the appropriate equipment for every task.

Situational awareness means knowing that every situation is unique. Employees must be tuned to every environment and expect the unexpected, eliminating all distractions with blinders removed. Familiarity and confidence can breed a false sense of security.

Whether it’s a hammer swing, a pressure release, or a truck backing up, every movement has a line of fire. Being in that path can result in serious injury. Employees should keep all of their body parts out of the way.

Before every job, employees must conduct a comprehensive safety analysis to review the work and identify all potential hazards with mitigation plans in place, with all parties signing off. This will not only help eliminate risks but also ensure employees can successfully address incidents if they transpire.

Employees should keep all work environments clean and free of clutter, whether it’s a tarp, a rig floor or the treads of their shoes. Oily surfaces and obstructions can easily cause slips, trips and falls. 

All equipment must disconnected from the energy source, locked out and tagged to prevent unintentional engagement. In doing so, accidental startups, a frequent top-five OSHA violation, can be easily avoided. 

Because driving is a common activity, it’s easy to forget it’s also the most dangerous. Employees should avoid distractions and false confidence. Vehicle convoys must have a journey plan and contingency. Employees are required to communicate if they are tired or unfit to drive.

All employees at nine have the power—and the responsibility—to stop work if they see something that potentially endangers others. As a matter of statistical fact, this practice reduces incidents and injuries.

It’s critical to keep all equipment in top operating condition, with guards and safety features intact. Employees must stay current with inspections and maintenance schedules, keeping the work environment as safe as the condition of our tools and equipment.