METHODS: Data collected by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) were reviewed to identify and describe fatal fall events in the U.S. oil and gas extraction industry during 2003-2014. In order to identify risk factors, cases were grouped by worker demographics, height and location of fall, operation, company type, and use of fall protection equipment.
RESULTS: A total of 63 fatal fall injuries were identified during this time period. A large proportion of workers (41%, 26) fell from a height greater than 45 feet. More than one-third of workers (35%, 22) fell from the derrick board, the work platform located in the derrick. Fall fatalities occurred most commonly as drilling rigs were assembled or disassembled at the well site (22%, 14) or while workers were removing or inserting drill pipe into the wellbore (22%, 14). Among those workers wearing fall protection at the time of the fatal fall, 65% (15) were not properly attached to an anchor, and 9% (2) were not worn properly.
CONCLUSIONS: Employers should use the hierarchy of controls to ensure that effective strategies to prevent falls are implemented and have a fall protection plan in place for all workers who work at height. Special attention should be taken when workers are on the derrick board or assembling or disassembling rigs. Improved administrative controls are needed to ensure workers are trained on the proper selection and use of fall protection equipment to prevent injury.