Primary Causes of Casualties in Field Operations

Transportation incidents are the leading cause of fatalities in field operations, accounting for 39% of deaths in this line of work. Factors such as long working hours, travel on secondary roads, and dangerous weather conditions significantly contribute to these incidents.

In addition to transportation-related risks, struck-by or caught-in accidents pose a major threat, responsible for about three in every five deaths on site. These accidents often occur due to inadequate safety controls and lack of awareness regarding hazardous equipment or moving vehicles. (Occupational Health & Safety, 2020).

Another critical yet often overlooked danger is confined spaces. Although these risks may seem less relevant in open areas like oil extraction fields, they remain a significant concern. Employees working in confined environments, such as enclosed storage tanks, face hazards like suffocation, being trapped, or exposure to explosive gases or vapors. Understanding these dangers is essential for mitigating the risks associated with such conditions. (SynergenOG, 2023).