Personal Protective Equipment in the Oil and Gas Industry

The oil and gas industry is considered to be one of the most dangerous industries. The average occupational fatality rate for employees in the oil and gas industry is seven times higher than the rate of all accidents in other sectors. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is considered to be an essential and integral part of several safety and health management systems. The evaluation of factors that determine the choosing and use of PPE is very crucial. The barriers are found to be a combination from different factors which relate to technical, behaviour, workers' risk perception, knowledge, legality, morality, design, money, time and organisational culture. The key themes identified that awareness of hazard; perceived risk; perceived effectiveness of PPE protection; management enforcement; available time were factors associated with the workers' willingness to wear PPE. Once worn; the discomfort and lack of communication were found the key themes. This book is suitable for Senior Managers, Middle Managers and all other workers in the oil and gas industry. It provides them with description of factors that they need to consider prior purchasing and during the use of PPE.