On the road again: A cross‐sectional survey examining work schedules, commuting time, and driving‐related outcomes among U.S. oil and gas extraction workers

Abstract

Background Oil and gas extraction (OGE) workers in the United States experience high fatality rates, with motor vehicle crashes the leading cause of death. Land‐based OGE workers drive frequently to remote and temporary worksites. Limited information is available on factors that may influence crash risk for this workforce. Methods A cross‐sectional survey of 500 land‐based OGE workers examined work schedules and hours, commuting, sleep, employer policies, and their relationship to potentially harmful events while driving. Results Over 60% of participants worked 12 or more hours per day. The mean daily roundtrip commuting time was 1.82 h. Longer daily commutes, nonstandard work schedules, less sleep on workdays, and lack of employer policies were associated with one or more risky driving‐related outcomes. Conclusions Implementation and evaluation of OGE employer policies and programs to limit long work hours, reduce long daily commutes, promote sufficient sleep, and reduce drowsy driving among U.S. OGE workers are needed.

Working Alone and/or in Remote Locations

“…In the survey mentioned previously, 6 97% of the surveyed OGE workers acknowledged having a safety program or policies, and 25% reported a “lone worker program” through their employer. Lone worker programs may include various approaches to reduce risks of working alone.…”

“…A recent study reported that oil and gas extraction (OGE) workers were more likely than nonmanual workers to drink alcohol excessively, smoke or use smokeless tobacco, and have obesity 4,5 . In a separate survey administered between 2017 and 2019, among 498 OGE workers, 6 the mean age was 36.9 years with nearly half of the respondents (48.4%) older than 34 years, the oldest reported was 70 years. The vast majority were men and more than one third (35.5%) used tobacco daily.…”

Fatalities Involving Substance Use Among US Oil and Gas Extraction Workers Identified Through an Industry Specific Surveillance System (2014–2019)

“…The nature and organization of work in the OGE industry predispose workers to an increased state of fatigue. 15,29 Stimulants are known to be commonly used in an effort to extend wakefulness, increase alertness, and counter fatigue. 26,30,31 Cannabis was identified in the positive toxicology screen of four of the decedents.…”

“…Decedent case example #2 illustrates these two points by outlining a case where a worker died of stimulant intoxication on the first day on the job and whose symptoms were mistaken for those of heat stress-related illness. The nature and organization of work in the OGE industry predispose workers to an increased state of fatigue 15,29 . Stimulants are known to be commonly used in an effort to extend wakefulness, increase alertness, and counter fatigue 26,30,31 …”

Severe Work-Related Injuries in the Oil and Gas Extraction Industry — 32 Federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration Jurisdictions, United States, January 2015–July 2022

“…In contrast, the well drilling (NAICS code 213111), and service (NAICS code 213112) subsector workers are paid as contractors ¶ who operate, construct, drill, pump, and transport oil and gas ( 2 ). OGE contract workers are often exposed to more hazardous work conditions ( 2 ) and longer shifts ( 3 ), and they experience more work-related fatalities ( 1 , 4 ). Temporary or nonstandard work arrangements have been linked to adverse health and safety outcomes, because in contrast to permanent workers, contract workers often have less information about their work environment, less job-specific training, less access to safety equipment, and no union representation ( 5 , 6 ).…”