Working Alone and/or in Remote Locations: Opportunities to Prevent the Risk of Fatality from Cardiovascular Events in Oil and Gas Extraction Workers.

OBJECTIVE: Explore personal and work factors related to fatal cardiac events among oil and gas extraction (OGE) workers.

METHODS: The NIOSH 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 (66%) fatal cardiac events were unwitnessed by a co-worker. Toxicology findings suggested some possible exposures to hydrogen sulfide or hydrocarbon gases or vapors. Missing data was common.

CONCLUSION: 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.