Site preparation for an oil and gas well usually looks like any other construction site. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) uses Safety and Health Regulations for Construction (29 CFR 1926) to assess safety compliance during this phase of the development of a drilling site.

Process: Leveling Site

The site is leveled (if necessary) with a bulldozer or a grader.

Hazards:

  • Damaging buried pipelines and cables
  • Unpredictable weather changes that create unexpected hazards
  • Irritant and toxic plants, pollens and other entrained materials
  • Uneven ground that could cause bulldozers to roll over

Solutions:

  • Perform a site-line location survey.
  • Plan for hazards due to unpredictable changing weather.
  • After weather changes, conduct inspections for new hazards.
  • Protect workers engaged in site clearing from hazards of irritant and toxic plants. Teach workers about available first-aid treatments.
  • Provide rollover guards on all equipment used in site-clearing operations.
  • Provide overhead and rear canopy guards on rider-operated equipment.

Process: Excavating and Trenching

The scale and duration of excavating and trenching are minor and site-specific. On some drilling sites, a below-ground-level cellar may be excavated. This is where the main borehole will be drilled. A reserve pit and settling pits may be excavated and used for water or drilling fluid discharges.

Hazards:

  • Dust and other airborne contaminants can cause respiratory problems or allergic reactions
  • Damaging buried pipelines and cables

Solutions:

  • Wear appropriate respiratory protection.
  • Perform a site-line location survey.

For more risk management solutions, contact INSURICA today.

Source: Occupational Safety & Health Administration

© 2012, 2015, 2017 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.

Stay Updated

Subscribe to the INSURICA blog and receive the latest news direct to your inbox.

Related Blogs

Flexible Compensation: A Necessary Evolution

July 8th, 2025|Blog, Employee Benefits|

In today’s fast-evolving job market, flexible compensation is redefining how companies attract and retain talent. Traditional pay structures, once seen as stable and predictable, are now losing appeal, particularly among younger professionals who prioritize personalized benefits over rigid salary scales. While flexible compensation models have gradually emerged since the early 2000s, the post-pandemic work era has rapidly accelerated their adoption—driven by shifting workforce expectations, economic volatility, and the rise of remote work and gig employment.

Balancing Employee Wellbeing and Financial Pressures

July 7th, 2025|Blog, Employee Benefits|

In today’s economic climate, businesses are facing rising costs and inflationary pressures, leading to a fundamental reassessment of employee benefits programs. While mental health and wellbeing initiatives remain a priority for employers, there is a growing demand for measurable impact and cost-efficient solutions rather than superficial perks. As companies strive to balance budget constraints with competitive benefits, the future of workplace wellness is shifting toward strategic, high-value programs that support employee health without breaking financial sustainability.

How Businesses Are Using Data Analytics to Optimize Employee Benefits Engagement

July 6th, 2025|Blog, Employee Benefits|

In today’s competitive job market, businesses are increasingly leveraging data analytics to enhance employee benefits engagement, ensuring that workers fully utilize available resources. Traditional benefits programs often suffer from low participation rates due to lack of awareness, complexity, or misalignment with employee needs. By integrating data-driven insights, companies can personalize benefits offerings, improve communication strategies, and maximize employee satisfaction while optimizing costs.

Go to Top