Safety is easily the most important priority for the oil and natural gas industry. AXPC members are dedicated to the health and safety of their employees and the communities where we operate. Our companies empower their workforces to practice the highest degrees of caution and safety every minute of every day. Many of our members use third-party auditors and inspectors to ensure the highest level of safety in their operations both from employees and contractors.
Oil and natural gas producers regularly train their employees and contractors in the areas of safety and health, whether in the office, out in the field, or at home. Each company works hard to create a unique safety culture for its employees. Noble Energy’s NO HARM program is the company’s commitment to protect its employees, the environment and the community. As a part of its NO HARM program, Noble offers regular safety training to its employees and contractors.
Range Resources’ “Safety Begins With Me” culture and daily “Job Safety Analysis” ensure safety is top of mind for employees and contractors at the beginning of every shift. Cabot Oil and Gas’ Safety & Environmental Affairs Committee is present at each regular board of directors meeting to report on safety and training initiatives and ensure that the company maintains compliance with all health and safety regulations.
In addition to voluntary, company-lead initiatives, trainings are mandated by federal regulations. The United State Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Head Administration (OSHA) runs trainings across oil and gas operating regions across the country ensuring uniform and mandatory personal protection equipment, extensive safety protocols, vehicle safety training and incident management drills.
The federal government has taken considerable measures to ensure safe and responsible exploration and production. Legislation, such as the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Safe Drinking Water Act all include measures to ensure that oil and natural gas producers protect the health of the areas in which they operate. Federal agencies, such as the Bureau of Safety and Environmental Enforcement and the Bureau of Land Management, oversee that operations on federal lands and waters are carried out responsibly.
The safety efforts of AXPC companies make our members stand out. As seen in the chart above, AXPC members’ total recordable incident rate has been below the industry average for the last five years of recordable data.
These safety efforts extend to community initiatives. Our members frequently partner with local organizations to advance their safety efforts. Chesapeake Energy has a first responder outreach program to ensure local emergency responders feel equipped to respond should an incident occur at their operations. Marathon Oil, Devon Energy and Encana are founding supporters of the Energize for Safety Coalition, a working group that aims to improve road safety in oil and gas producing regions of Oklahoma.
Environmental safety is also a priority for our members. Each member company works hard to ensure the environments they operate in remain safe and habitable. Apart from continued monitoring of both air and water emissions, our members find creative ways to ensure the safety and preservation of their natural surroundings. Apache Corporation and Cimarex Energy have partnered with University of Texas on its Dark Skies Initiative. The program aims to reduce light pollution, which obstructs the view of the West Texas skies, and can be harmful to worker vision.
Collaboration between industry, government, and communities is vital for maintaining safe operations throughout the oil and natural gas supply chain. AXPC members are committed to continuous improvement when it comes to safety of their people, the environment, and their communities.