21 JUNE 2024 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Safety by Ronald B. Peterson Drilling Products Specialist, Mountainland Supply Company When I first went to work in the gas and oil industry, if you were on call, it meant 24/7. If your phone rang - regardless of the time or weather - you were usually going to be on the way to work, and you better be getting dressed, because how ever far from the rig you were, you were already that late. It meant there was a problem and people’s lives could be at risk and time was of the essence. Very often, they had drilled into a gas zone and had an uncontrolled gas flow. Safety had to be our focus - and it is still the same today. It’s not just our safety, but the safety of everyone around us. This includes coworkers and both invited and uninvited people on our jobsite. We should always make sure we are in the best condition we can be - both mentally and physically - to deal with the unexpected, that our equipment is in proper operating condition, and we have thoroughly planned for the unexpected. Safety incidents almost always cost significant amounts of money, time, and often jobs. Taking time to evaluate and implement proper protocol is key to avoiding issues in the future. A little bit of preplanning and preparation can save a lot of heartache. We work in a high-energy environment where things can and often do happen quickly. We need to look over our workplace and determine any potential risks. This includes obvious and not so obvious situations. We need to make sure any risks are properly marked, appropriate guards are in place, and access is limited whenever appropriate. We have made significant advancements in safety protocol over the years, and while we have come a long way, we still have room for improvement. The most important thing we can expect from any project is for everyone to complete their assigned tasks and return home safely and unharmed. Safety should be emphasized and recognized as our number one priority. It needs to be a natural and automatic part of our life. We need to always emphasize the importance of completing every job safely with no one injured or hurt. We should always err on the side of caution. If there is any doubt, play it safe!!! It is my belief that we borrow the earth’s water and other resources from our descendants; therefore, we need to do everything we can to leave things in better shape than when we found them. Never underestimate the value and importance of the drilling industry in our lives. You are all a vital and critical part of our existence. Thank you for all you do and for your dedication and support. This is a great industry. Ron Ron Peterson may be contacted via e-mail to michele@worldwidedrillingresource.com G&O
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