The oilfield is characterized by long days but also has long nights. Many workers prefer the nights tour for many reasons such as that it is cooler and quieter than days. If you want to learn more about nights in the oilfield, then grab a hot cup of joe and read on.
LIMITED VISION
When the sun goes down it is time to replace sunlight with headlights and light plants. Lack of visibility from dark areas increases the risk of trips or a struck-by incident. There are a few ways to prevent becoming injured due to the darkness of night.
- Wear bright reflective clothing so that your body will stand out in headlights.
- Add light, make sure that all work areas are lit, and vehicle headlights are maintained and aimed properly.
- Stay aware, do not walk or drive into any area that you cannot see.
CIRCADIAN RHYTHM
When night falls, do you feel tired and sleepy? That’s normal, it’s called the circadian rhythm and it naturally pushes people to be awake during the day and makes them want to sleep at night. Obviously the circadian rhythm is disrupted during night work because now the worker is sleeping during the day and working at night. This can cause sleepiness and tiredness at work. Giving yourself time to gradually adjust to the new work shift can make the effects easier. Also, make sure that you are sleeping enough during the day and consider eating a snack before going to sleep in the morning. If the symptoms from disrupting the circadian rhythm are bothersome, you can also talk to your physician to see if there are other ways for you to adapt.
ROAD HAZARDS
The driver’s seat is the deadliest position in the oilfield and the twilight hours present a special set of hazards for drivers. When relying on your headlights, the visible distance decreases so nocturnal animals and other possible obstructions become more difficult to avoid. Slowing down will make it easier to stop before colliding with a road hazard. One other thing to watch out for is inebriated drivers coming back from the bars in the early hours. Never assume that other drivers will do what they should and always practice defensive driving. If you yourself feel drowsy then making arrangements to stop driving as rest is an option to prevent falling asleep at the wheel. Remember that your life as a driver is not only at stake but also that of your passengers and the public at large.
Recommended Training: San Antonio SafeLand
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