The natural gas industry is a growing a cornerstone of US energy policy. Production of unconventional natural gas is rapidly increasing in many parts of the country, including the western United States. In 2010, 24 % of electricity was generated using natural gas. Within the last 10 years the rapid expansion of the industry has led to an increase in fatality rate and reported injuries. The oil and gas extraction (O&G) industry has an annual occupational fatality rate of 30.0 per 100,000 workers (2003-2007) - approximately eight times higher than the rate for all U.S. workers. Occupational health concerns, including exposure to silica and other chemicals during drilling operations are just being explored. Similar drilling and extraction technology is being used for oil production in many areas of the western United States and this industry may share similar health and safety hazards.
This conference will bring together academic and government researchers, engineers, industry experts, medical professionals, occupational health and safety professionals to discuss and share strategies for evaluating the risks, solutions and research areas that will enable natural gas exploration and production companies to reduce potentially hazardous exposures to their employees. This platform will provide an opportunity for leaders in the field to highlight occupational health and safety “best practices” in natural-gas development as an attractive topic to target with research funding, policy development, education and prevention programs.
To view the agenda, please click here.
Topics that will be covered at the conference:
- Assessment of worker health and safety risks
- Successful industry advancements in OSH practices
- Engineering enhancements to protect worker
- Policy development and advancement
The goals of the conference are to:
- Improve health and safety of employees and contractors working in the industry.
- Design ways to develop and grow the relationships between researchers and industry to collaborate on efforts to improve worker health while addressing increasing energy needs and productivity.
- Join thought leaders to discuss technical, economic and policy developments related to occupational health in the industry
- Promote efficient and effective engineering “Best Practice” controls as a means of improving the health and safety of workers.
Location:
Anschutz Medical Campus | Nighthorse Campbell Native Health Building
13055 E. 17th Avenue
Aurora, CO 80045
The workshop will take place in the Shore Family Forum Room on the first floor.
The Anschutz Campus can be difficult to navigate. Please check out this helpful document for directions or feel free to call Angela Wagstaff at 303-724-4409 with any questions:
Directions to Campus
Participants must register to participate. Please click here to register.