Energy Workforce Members Have Lead the Evolution of Safety Practices in the Industry
As part of the monthly “In Our Element” series honoring Energy Workforce’s 90th Anniversary, we are highlighting how the men and women of Energy Workforce have lead the “Critical Elements” of safety guidelines and practices, and how they have evolved and impacted our industry over the past 90 years.
About This Series
Celebrating 90 Years of Excellence
90 Years: Changing the Element
Energy Workforce’s foundational purpose as an organization was to improve safety conditions for U.S. oilfield workers through the development of a fair practice code in 1933. Known at the time as American Petroleum Equipment Suppliers Association, the organization served as a liaison between the U.S. government and the workers to ensure safe working conditions and fair pay. While the hazardous conditions of the early oilfield are long gone, the mission to improve safety standards for those working in the energy services sector still remains a top priority for the Association.
As production technology evolved, so did the machines and processes, and with that came the need to update and expand safety practices for the men and women utilizing these complex systems. From the invention of blowout preventors to improve safety for workers and the surrounding environment, to standards for how to properly service well sites, the men and women of Energy Workforce have dedicated immeasurable time and resources to ensuring the process of energy production is safe and efficient.
Today, through programs like the SecureWell: Well Control Certification Program, the industry is standardizing training for well containment and control for cased hole well servicing, ensuring workers are prepared with the latest knowledge and tools to address the latest conditions in the field.
Energy Workforce Member Companies are coming together to standardize proper use of the latest advancements in completions technology, like the “Well Stimulation Industry Guidelines – Hydraulic Fracturing with New Technologies and Innovation” publication. Developed to address the safe use of natural gas as an off-road fuel source while performing hydraulic fracturing services, these guidelines ensure workers operating these technologies have the guidelines they need to operate safely without sacrificing efficiency.
As technology continues to change, Energy Workforce’s commitment to safety has never wavered. This commitment brings together the entire sector with the common goal: safety. Energy Workforce is proud to be the platform to bring the industry together to ensure energy production is safer year after year.
Deidre Almstead Kohlrus, Senior Director Government Affairs, writes about industry-specific policies for the Energy Workforce & Technology Council. Click here to subscribe to the Energy Workforce newsletter, which highlights sector-specific issues, best practices, activities and more.
