PRIORITIZING WORKER SAFETY

Over the last 20 years, upstream operations have experienced a fatality rate that has ranged from five to eight times greater than the national average for all U.S. industries. Often, upswings in the data trends mirror industry cycles with increases in fatalities year-to-year corresponding to increases in operations. 

Data information specific to onshore operations is limited, but there are approximately 9000 independent operators in the U.S. onshore exploration and production segment – a number that is vastly larger than the refining and offshore segments.  With such a large number of companies, there is a need for consistency and improvement of safety practices across the onshore industry. 

Work-Related Fatalities in U.S E&P Operations

Fatality Chart

Work-Related Fatality Rate versus Rotary Rig Count

Rate vs. Rig Chart

U.S. Onshore Operations Statistics

9000

There are approximately 9000 independent operators in the U.S. onshore exploration and production segment – a number that is vastly larger than the refining and offshore segments.

62%

According to NIOSH, 62% of fatalities in 2017 were to servicing company workers.

376

In 2008-2017, 376 people lost their lives in fatal incidents that might have been prevented by following one of IOGP's Life-Saving Rules.

Additional Data Sources

The NIOSH Fatalities in Oil and Gas Extraction (FOG) is a national database that collects detailed information about worker fatalities in the U.S. oil and gas extraction industry. 

NIOSH FOG Database

Since 1962, the IADC Incident Statistics Program (ISP) has tracked safety and accident information for the drilling industry.

IADC Incident Statistics Program

Industry incident data is also available from IOGP within its Safety Zone section. 

IOGP Safety Zone