ORIGINAL ARTICLES

Working Alone and/or in Remote Locations

Opportunities to Prevent the Risk of Fatality From Cardiovascular Events in Oil and Gas Extraction Workers

Zimmerman, Stacy M. DO, MOH; Scott, Kenneth A. PhD, MPH; Wingate, Kaitlin C. MPH; Ramirez-Cardenas, Alejandra MPH; Pompei, Richard DO, MPH; Hagan-Haynes, Kyla MPH; Hill, Ryan D. MPH; Wood, Eric MD, MPH

Author Information
Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine 65(6):p 481-487, June 2023. | DOI: 10.1097/JOM.0000000000002851

Objective 

The aim of the study is to explore personal and work factors related to fatal cardiac events among oil and gas extraction (OGE) workers.

Methods 

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Fatalities in Oil and Gas Extraction database was reviewed to identify fatal cardiac events among OGE workers from 2014 through 2019. A case series design was used to review case files, provide descriptive statistics, and summarize the findings.

Results 

There were 75 fatalities identified, including 55 (73%) with sufficient information for review. Of the 55 workers, 18 (33%) worked alone. Thirty-six fatal cardiac events (66%) were unwitnessed by a coworker. Toxicology findings suggested some possible exposures to hydrogen sulfide or hydrocarbon gases or vapors. Missing data were common.

Conclusions 

This study identified the need for cardiovascular disease prevention and treatment, emergency preparedness, lone worker programs, medical screening, and enhanced exposure control in the OGE industry.

Copyright © 2023 American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine

You can read the full text of this article if you:

Access through Ovid