Our Blog

Timely briefs on topics specific to the industries BITCO serves. Subjects include worker safety, worksite hazards, best practices, new research, industry updates, regulations, public liability, property protection and more.

Alan Anderson, Sr. Risk Control Consultant

Recent Posts

Oil and Gas Industry Good Housekeeping

| January 23, 2024

A Comprehensive Guide to Maintaining a Safe and Organized Workplace

Good housekeeping plays a crucial role in maintaining safety and efficiency in the oil and gas industry. It involves keeping the workplace clean, organized, and free from potential hazards. Continue reading to learn about our recommendations for good housekeeping practices in the oil and gas industry.

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A Burning Issue: The Hazards of Oil Rags and How to Prevent Combustible Waste Fires

| September 26, 2023

Recommendations for Fire Hazard Risk Assessment, Fire Prevention, and Training

Workers who drill or service oil wells handle a variety of hazardous materials, which are often highly combustible. The most common type of spontaneous combustion fires is those caused by improperly disposed combustible fluid or oil-soaked rags. Continue reading to learn our recommendations for fire hazard risk assessment, fire prevention, and training on oil rags and combustible waste.

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Harnesses & Fall Arrest Devices in the Oil and Gas Industry

| April 26, 2023

Proper Cleaning and Inspections Can Prevent Falls from Elevated Surfaces

Fall prevention is a critical safety concern in the oil and gas industry. Workers are often required to work at heights, making them vulnerable to falls. Harnesses are worn around the body and attached to a lanyard that is secured to a fixed anchor point. This ensures the worker is safely secured and protected from falls while working at heights in the oil and gas industry.

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Fire Safety in the Oil and Gas Industry

| October 25, 2022

Good Practices for Fire Prevention and Protection

When we think of fires in the oil and gas industry, the image that typically comes to mind is of a rig or well site explosion. While those fires do happen, it is rare. Fires most common in this industry are often isolated fires caused by an ignition source or static electricity. Often minor items, such as an engine or piece of equipment, will get damaged. However, fires often lead to personal injuries.

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Lockout/Tagout for the Oilfield

| August 2, 2022

Prevent Injuries and Fatalities from Uncontrolled Energy Release

There often seems to be some confusion on the control of hazardous energy, also known as Lockout/Tagout or LO/TO. Directly in the OSHA 1910 General Industry, under the scope of applications, it mentions the standard does not cover Oil and Gas Well Drilling and Servicing. Anyone looking for safety rules will typically look at OSHA first. If they see something is exempt, their search might stop there.

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Heat Stress Concerns for Oil & Gas Workers

| June 21, 2022

Beat the Heat with Our Recommended Job Site Practices

What Is Heat Stress, How Does It Happen, and Who Is Affected? 

Each year, thousands of employees become sick from heat exposure while on the job. Oil and gas workers are no exception, as they often get exposed to high temperatures and humidity at the job site. Heat stress occurs when a worker's body temperature rises above safe limits. When the body can't control its temperature, the body temperature rises, sweating fails, and the heart rate increases.

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