Oil And Gas Industry

The field of Engineering has proven to be a sustainable path. This article focuses on Petroleum or Oil Engineering. Find out why people who work on this field make so much money and why Oil Engineering jobs are being sought after.

Education

A college degree in Engineering provides a good entry point but more so if you are trained in Petroleum Engineering. This means flexibility as Petroleum companies may employ Engineers from different fields. However, note that since Engineers have their own specializations, it would be good to pursue Petroleum Engineering. Being a participant in co-op training programs adds merit to your resume later on. Prepare to spend at least four to five years in college.

Apart from earning a Bachelor's degree, Petroleum Engineers also seek out to earn their Master's and Doctor's Degrees. While this is not a requirement, it helps individuals land a more promising career path and a heftier salary when pursuing Oil Engineering jobs. The knowledge earned from advanced and higher learning also contributes to an individual's innovative and strategic potential especially if he or she decides to open a Petroleum Engineering firm.

Job Description

The following provide specific details about Oil Engineering jobs:

Assessment: Oil Engineers are responsible in the assessment of the economic and productive potentials of oil wells.

Geology: Petroleum Engineers also work with Geologists in order to assess the economic and productive viability of potential oil drilling areas.

Production: Petroleum Engineers are also responsible in monitoring production and efficiency levels respective to their areas of jurisdiction.

Coordination: Oil Engineers oversee the installation of production equipment in drilling sites.

Research: Apart from field work, Oil Engineers also have hands on in research to discover innovative strategies in oil drilling and production.

Supervision: Petroleum Engineers also guide a team of people in order to ascertain progress and achievement of production goals.

Job Distribution and Income

Oil Engineers are distributed in various industries. Here is an outline of their estimated distribution and income from the U.S Department of Labor, 2012 - 2013 Edition:

Mining Support: The bulk of Oil Engineers is on field and act as support for mining companies. They make more or less $150,000 annually.

Hospitals: About 15,000 Oil Engineers work for hospitals. They make about $120,000 annually.

Architects: Oil Engineers are also employed in architectural firms and make about $145,000 a year.

Management: Petroleum Engineers work in Management firms as well, and make $150,000 or more annually.

Manufacturing: In the manufacturing industry, Petroleum Engineers less than 10,000 are employed but they make as much as $130,000 per year.

Research: There are a very few Petroleum Engineers working in Research Industries but they make around $150,000 per year.

It should be noted that the figures above can change anytime, and employers have their own packages to offer their employees.

Job Outlook

Between 2010 and 2020, it is estimated that the number of employed Petroleum Engineers will increase from 30,200 individuals in 2010. The number of jobs related to EPC is also bound to grow over the next few years. This growth surge is marked by industrial developments that need the expertise of Petroleum Engineers. These are geothermal production of energy, coal gasification, underground waste disposal, and environmental cleanup.

It is the job of a health and safety executive (HSE) to draft a comprehensive safety manual to ensure safety of employees working in an oil and gas exploration company. It is important to conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify potential risks faced by employees in the work area.

Necessary precautions and safety measures need to be specifically outlined by the HSE to ensure the safety of employees. The safety of employees should be a matter of concern for all companies. Applicants looking for HSE jobs should be aware of the roles and responsibilities that come with this position. This article throws light on some handy tips to draft an effective safety manual.

Tip#1: Identify Risks Faced By Employees In Various Roles

A HSE should evaluate the risks faced by employees in various roles. Each role may require employees to work in different locations and handle different types of chemicals and gases. The level of risk faced by employees in each of these roles differs and needs to be addressed separately.

Tip#2: Evaluate Accident-Prone Areas In The Workplace

The HSE to identify accident-prone areas such as broken roofs, walkways, wet ladders, parking areas and slippery areas, in the work location.. Put signs in these areas to warn employees of the particular hazard. Repairs should be undertaken as soon as possible to make the area safe.

Tip#3: Collect Necessary Information

All necessary details and information regarding employee protection and safety should be compiled before drafting the safety manual. First-aid kits should be readily available to employees in case of an injury or emergency. Employees should be  trained to handle emergencies such as exposure to chemicals or hazardous materials and how to report a potential safety issue. Instructions on proper use of safety equipment such as gloves and glasses should be given to avoid injury.

Tip#4: Categorize Information Into Sections

The next step is to categorize available information into various sections to make it easy for employees to understand the detailed safety procedures. When applying for an entry level HSE job, make it a point to understand the detailed work responsibilities of the role.

Outline the procedure or protocol to be followed when a particular machine fails to function.  A majority of safety manuals recommend reporting the malfunction of the machinery to the employer and contacting suitable mechanics to conduct repairs.

Tip#5: Set Up A Waste Disposal Mechanism

Set up an appropriate waste disposal mechanism to avoid polluting the environment. Improper waste handling can negatively impact the health of employees.

Tip#6: Have A Plan To Deal With Any Emergency Situation  

Set up a plan and impart training to employees to follow certain steps in an emergency situation to help reduce injuries and possible fatalities. Inform employees about the availability of first-aid kits, fire-alarms and emergency exits.

It is the responsibility of a HSE to draft a comprehensive safety manual to ensure adequate safety measures are in place in an oil drilling location. This article provides useful tips to draft an effective safety manual.