Dynamics of severe accidents in the oil & gas energy sector derived from the authoritative ENergy-related severe accident database.

Organized into a global network of critical infrastructures, the oil & gas industry remains to this day the main energy contributor to the world's economy. Severe accidents occasionally occur resulting in fatalities and disruption. We build an oil & gas accident graph based on more than a thousand severe accidents for the period 1970-2016 recorded for refineries, tankers, and gas networks in the authoritative ENergy-related Severe Accident Database (ENSAD). We explore the distribution of potential chains-of-events leading to severe accidents by combining graph theory, Markov analysis and catastrophe dynamics. Using centrality measures, we first verify that human error is consistently the main source of accidents and that explosion, fire, toxic release, and element rupture are the principal sinks, but also the main catalysts for accident amplification. Second, we quantify the space of possible chains-of-events using the concept of fundamental matrix and rank them by defining a likelihood-based importance measure γ. We find that chains of up to five events can play a significant role in severe accidents, consisting of feedback loops of the aforementioned events but also of secondary events not directly identifiable from graph topology and yet participating in the most likely chains-of-events.

[ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION AMONG WORKERS OF A URANIUM PROCESSING ENTERPRISE OF THE REPUBLIC OF KAZAKHSTAN: PREVALENCE, RELATIVE RISKS AND PREDICTORS OF THE DEVELOPMENT].

The aim of this study was to establish the prevalence, relative risks, and predictive factors of the development of arterial hypertension (AH) in workers of a uranium processing enterprise (UPE). An open cross-sectional comparative study of 809 UPE workers was conducted. The compared them to the 696 workers of the bearing plant, located at a distance of 10 km from UPE. Stratification was performed and odds ratios (OR), gross (RR) and standardized relative (SRR) risks of hypertension were calculated. Our results revealed a high prevalence of hypertension among UPE workers (24.8%), as well as greater risk of development of hypertension among workers of UPE in comparison to the personnel of the non-uranium enterprise: RR=2.4 and SRR=2.9. The most significant predictors of hypertension were burdened heredity (OR = 13.6), total radiation dose (OR=1.5), overweight (OR=1.1), high anxiety (OR=0.5) and systematic use of alcohol (OR=0.5). Thus, among workers chronically exposed to radiation toxicity, high prevalence of hypertension, excessive RR and SRR of developing hypertension and the presence of risk factors for hypertension were established.

An Occupational Legacy: Malignant Mesothelioma Incidence and Mortality in Wisconsin.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the study was to describe mesothelioma occurrence in Wisconsin from 1997 to 2013 by usual industry and occupation (I&O), including occupations generally considered low risk. METHODS: Population-based rates and standardized incidence and mortality ratios were calculated. Two case-control analyses were designed to compare mesothelioma incidence and mortality in specific I&O groups with occurrence of (1) brain and central nervous system cancers and (2) other causes of death, using logistic regression. RESULTS: Mesothelioma incidence and mortality were elevated in Wisconsin (SIRadj = 1.20 [1.13 to 1.28]; SMRadj = 1.30 [1.22 to 1.38]). Certain industry (construction, manufacturing) and occupation (construction and extraction) groups were associated with increased odds of mesothelioma, with some evidence of increased risk among teachers. CONCLUSIONS: Forty years after the Occupational and Safety Health Act, mesothelioma incidence and mortality remain elevated in Wisconsin, with increased risk continuing for certain I&O groups.

Associations between occupational stress and demographic characteristics in petroleum workers in the Xinjiang arid desert.

Owing to the transformation of the biomedical model of health, more and more professionals pay close attention to the occupational social psychological factors, such as occupational stress. Due to the socioeconomic impact of occupational stress and the petroleum workers stationed in the unique environment in Xinjiang, a cross-sectional study was carried out between May and December 2016 to investigate the relationship between occupational stress and demographic characteristics. A total of 1480 workers were selected. Occupational stress was evaluated with the Occupational Stress Inventory-Revised Edition. The findings of the present study revealed that the values of the Occupational Roles Questionnaire results (t = 9.266, P < .001) and Personal Strain Questionnaire results (t = 21.381, P < .001) were found to be higher than the national normal. Personal Resources Questionnaire values (t = -17.575, P < .001) were found to be lower than the national normal in petroleum workers stationed in the arid desert, and suggested a strong correlation between occupational stress and demographic characteristics. These data provide evidence that different demographic characteristics are associated with different occupational stress levels in petroleum workers stationed in the arid desert.

Retrospective Assessment of Respirable Quartz Exposure for a Silicosis Study of the Industrial Sand Industry.

Background: In 2016, the OSHA PEL for crystalline silica was reduced, renewing interest in evaluating risk of silicosis from occupational exposures. The industrial sand industry, which deals with high-purity quartz sands, is the setting for a current epidemiologic investigation of silicosis risk and progression. In support of that investigation, respirable quartz (RQ) exposures were retrospectively estimated for 67 workers with silicosis and 167 matched control workers from 21 industrial sand plants, in which some started work as early as 1929. Methods: A job exposure matrix (JEM) was constructed by integrating a modern (post-1970) RQ exposure database containing more than 40000 measurements with archival particle count exposure data from a 1947 survey. A simulation algorithm was used to develop a conversion factor to convert the archival particle count data into modern measures of RQ by randomly generating 100000 virtual dust particles of varying diameters corresponding to the size distributions of 14 archival particle size distribution samples. The equivalent respirable mass and particle counts of the virtual particles were calculated, totalled, and ratioed to derive the conversion factor. The JEM was integrated with individual job histories to calculate average and cumulative exposure for each case and control. Multiple exposure estimates were derived for unprotected exposures as well as for exposures adjusted for estimated respiratory protective equipment use and efficiency. Results: The mean of the count to respirable mass conversion factors derived from 14 archival particle size samples was 157 µg m-3 per mppcf (SD: 42; range: 96-263) with no statistical difference across process areas (drying, screening, vibrating, binning, bulk loading, bagging), P = 0.29. The JEM demonstrated an industry-wide decrease in prevailing exposures to RQ of up to about 2 orders of magnitude from the distant (1929) to the recent (2012) past. Unadjusted cumulative exposures for cases and controls were statistically different (P < 0.001) with respective medians (range) of 3764 µg m-3 year (221-25121) and 1595 µg m-3 year (0-16446). Adjustment of exposure for use of respiratory protection showed modest reductions in estimated exposure: median adjusted cumulative exposures assuming a protection factor of 5 were 86% and 77% of the unadjusted values for cases and controls, respectively. Conclusions: The industrial sand industry offers a unique setting for examination of silicosis risk because of the high silica content of industrial sand and a long history of radiographic silicosis surveillance of industry workers. However, the great majority of silicosis cases in this industry are found among former workers and are associated with exposures occurring in the distant past, which necessitates extensive retrospective exposure assessment and increases the likelihood of exposure misclassification. Nonetheless, the estimated cumulative exposures for silicosis cases and controls in this work were significantly different, with the median cumulative exposure for cases being more than twice that of their matched controls.

Risk of Lung Cancer Mortality in Nuclear Workers from Internal Exposure to Alpha Particle-emitting Radionuclides.

BACKGROUND: Carcinogenic risks of internal exposures to alpha-emitters (except radon) are poorly understood. Since exposure to alpha particles-particularly through inhalation-occurs in a range of settings, understanding consequent risks is a public health priority. We aimed to quantify dose-response relationships between lung dose from alpha-emitters and lung cancer in nuclear workers. METHODS: We conducted a case-control study, nested within Belgian, French, and UK cohorts of uranium and plutonium workers. Cases were workers who died from lung cancer; one to three controls were matched to each. Lung doses from alpha-emitters were assessed using bioassay data. We estimated excess odds ratio (OR) of lung cancer per gray (Gy) of lung dose. RESULTS: The study comprised 553 cases and 1,333 controls. Median positive total alpha lung dose was 2.42 mGy (mean: 8.13 mGy; maximum: 316 mGy); for plutonium the median was 1.27 mGy and for uranium 2.17 mGy. Excess OR/Gy (90% confidence interval)-adjusted for external radiation, socioeconomic status, and smoking-was 11 (2.6, 24) for total alpha dose, 50 (17, 106) for plutonium, and 5.3 (-1.9, 18) for uranium. CONCLUSIONS: We found strong evidence for associations between low doses from alpha-emitters and lung cancer risk. The excess OR/Gy was greater for plutonium than uranium, though confidence intervals overlap. Risk estimates were similar to those estimated previously in plutonium workers, and in uranium miners exposed to radon and its progeny. Expressed as risk/equivalent dose in sieverts (Sv), our estimates are somewhat larger than but consistent with those for atomic bomb survivors.See video abstract at, http://links.lww.com/EDE/B232.

Occupational Fatalities Resulting from Falls in the Oil and Gas Extraction Industry, United States, 2005-2014.

During 2003-2013, fatality rates for oil and gas extraction workers decreased for all causes of death except those associated with fall events, which increased 2% annually during 2003-2013 (1). To better understand risk factors for these events, CDC examined fatal fall events in the oil and gas extraction industry during 2005-2014 using data from case investigations conducted by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Sixty-three fatal falls were identified, accounting for 15% of all fatal events. Among fatal falls, 33 (52%) workers fell from a height of >30 feet (9 meters), and 22 (35%) fell from the derrick board, the elevated work platform located in the derrick (structure used to support machinery on a drilling rig). Fall fatalities occurred most frequently when drilling rigs were being assembled or disassembled at the well site (rigging up or rigging down) (14; 22%) or when workers were removing or inserting drill pipe into the wellbore (14; 22%). Measures that target derrickmen and workers engaged in assembling and disassembling drilling rigs (rigging up and down) could reduce falls in this industry. Companies should annually update their fall protection plans and ensure effective fall prevention programs are in place for workers at highest risk for falls, including providing trainings on proper use, fit, and inspection of personal protective equipment.

Shale gas development and cancer incidence in southwest Pennsylvania.

OBJECTIVE: To what extent does unconventional gas development lead to an increase in cancer incidence in heavily drilled Southwest Pennsylvania? STUDY DESIGN: Ecological study. METHODS: Data for urinary bladder, thyroid and leukaemia were abstracted from the Pennsylvania Cancer Registry (PCR). Cancer incidence among counties with high, moderate and minimal number of producing wells is compared before drilling activity and thereafter. Observed vs expected cases, standardized incidence ratio and 95% confidence intervals are presented. Data are presented by county, diagnosis and sex for the years 2000-2004, 2004-2008 and 2008-2012. The percent difference between the observed cases from 2000 to 2004 and 2008-2012 was calculated. RESULTS: The observed number of urinary bladder cases was higher than expected in both sexes in counties with shale gas activity. In counties with the fewest number of producing wells, the increase was essentially non-existent. The number of observed cases of thyroid cancer increased substantially among both sexes over the time period in all counties regardless of the number of wells drilled. The pattern for leukaemia was mixed among males and females and among the counties regardless of the extent of shale gas development activities. CONCLUSION: Potential risk factors other than shale gas development must be taken into account to explain the higher than expected cancer cases in counties with and without shale gas wells before and during unconventional shale gas activity.

High Cigarette and Poly-Tobacco Use Among Workers in a Dusty Industry: New Jersey Quarry Workers.

OBJECTIVE: Tobacco use is high among US extraction and construction workers, who can also incur occupational dust exposure. Information on different types of tobacco use among quarry/mine workers is sparse. METHODS: During mandated training sessions, New Jersey quarry workers were surveyed about their tobacco use. Prevalence was calculated for single and multiple tobacco use by demographic and workplace characteristics; logistic regression was used to assess associations with smoking. RESULTS: Two hundred forty (97.1%) workers completed surveys. Among respondents, 41.7% [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 35.4 to 48.3] currently used any tobacco product of whom 28.1% smoked cigarettes. In multivariate analysis, positive associations with smoking included working as a contractor versus mine employee (odds ratio 2.32, 95% CI 1.01 to 5.36) and a usual job title of maintenance (odds ratio 2.02, 95% CI 0.87 to 4.94). CONCLUSION: Industry-specific information may be helpful in developing targeted tobacco-cessation programs.

A Review of Research on Health Outcomes for Workers, Home and Host Communities of Population Mobility Associated with Extractive Industries.

With a growing awareness of the association between extractive industries, the nature of work in remote locations, population mobility and health status, there is a need to advance an evidence-based approach to ensuring the health of migrant and mobile populations, and the home and host communities with whom they interact. Through a narrative synthesis of peer-reviewed and grey literature, this review examines what is known, and the nature of research activity concerning the range of health impacts determined by the social conditions inherent with population mobility alongside mining and extractive industries; and the extent to which health outcomes impact on workers, and home and host communities. While much of the literature reviewed in the study considered health in a traditional disease or illness based approach, it is clear that many risk factors for the health of mobile workers in the sector reflect broader social determinants. To support the mitigation of individual and population vulnerability to infectious disease endemics, consideration of both the etiology and the social conditions that give rise to adverse health outcomes is required, including an improvement to workers' living conditions, the expansion of diagnostic and medical services, and an approach that ensures the right to health for mobile populations. To further improve upon the rich body of research, resources are required to implement robust data collection including epidemiological surveillance, outbreak monitoring and investigation, and the long term tracking of standardized health information at both origin locations and destination communities.

[THE SUBSTANTIATION OF ACTIVITIES CONCERNING PRIMARY PREVENTION OF STROKE IN WORKING POPULATION].

The scale of Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation (SCORE) was modified by introduction of such risk factors as sugar level, body mass index, locomotion activity to become a basis for development of special computer program to be applied in the study. The research purpose was to detect risk factors of cardio-vascular diseases in workers of oil processing enterprises during periodic medical examinations, to allocate patients on groups depending on intensity of risk factors and to provide recommendations on correction of risk factors. It is established that 36.2% of workers have risk factors of cardio-vascular diseases, 51.2% of males and 28.8% of females included. The arterial hypertension was detected in 28%, extra body mass and obesity in 63.6%, increased cholesterol level in 36.2%, increased sugar level of capillary blood in 42.3%, lower locomotion activity in 54.4% and tobacco smoking in 21.4% of examined patients. The most prevalent risk factors of cardio-vascular diseases among males and females turned out increased body mass, lower locomotion activity and hypercholesterolemia. The allocation of patients on groups depending on intensity of risk factors demonstrated that lower and medium risk of development of cardio-vascular diseases as present in 19.1% of examined patients, 26.1% of males and 17.9% of females included. The higher risk of development of cardio-vascular diseases was detected in 9.1% of examined patients, 13.2% of males and 8.1% of females included. The very high risk of cardio-vascular diseases was established in 8% of examined patients, 11.8% of males and 2.8% of females included. The patients of each group the individual recommendations concerning correction of risk factors were given. The developed original computer program can be applied in ambulatory polyclinic medical organizations during physician's appointment that will permit the detect group of patients with risk of development of cardio-vascular diseases. The program also gives to patients an opportunity to independently answer the questions and to receive right away recommendations concerning correction of risk factors.

If it bleeds, it leads: the construction of workplace injury in Canadian newspapers, 2009-2014.

BACKGROUND: Public perceptions of workplace injuries are shaped by media reports, but the accuracy of such reports is unknown. OBJECTIVES: This study identifies differences between workers' compensation claims data and newspaper reports of workplace injuries in Canadian newspapers and media sources. METHODS: This study applies quantitative content analysis to 245 Canadian English-language newspaper articles from 2009 to 2014. Workers' compensation claims data is drawn from the Association of Workers' Compensation Boards of Canada. RESULTS: Newspapers dramatically overreport fatalities, injuries to men, injuries in the construction and mining/quarrying/oil industries, injuries stemming from contact with objects/equipment and fires/explosions, and acute physical injuries such as burns, fractures, intracranial injuries, and traumatic injuries. Newspaper reporters tend to rely upon government, police/firefighter, and employer accounts, rarely recounting the perspectives of workers. CONCLUSION: Newspapers overreported fatalities, injuries to men, and injuries in the construction and mining/quarrying/oil industries. This results in a misleading picture of occupational injuries in Canada.

Emission of submicron aerosol particles in cement kilns: Total concentration and size distribution.

Cement plants are responsible for particle and gaseous emissions into the atmosphere. With respect to particle emission, the greater part of is in the range from 0.05 to 5.0 µm in diameter. In the last years attention was paid to submicron particles, but there is a lack of available data on the emission from stationary sources. In this paper, concentration and size distribution of particles emitted from four cement kilns, in relationship to operational conditions (especially the use of alternative fuel to coal) of the clinker process are reported. Experimental campaigns were carried out by measuring particles concentration and size distribution at the stack of four cement plants through condensation particle counter (CPC) and scanning mobility particle sizer spectrometer (SMPS). Average total particle number concentrations were between 2000 and 4000 particles/cm³, about 8-10 times lower that those found in the corresponding surrounding areas. As for size distribution, for all the investigated plants it is stable with a unimodal distribution (120-150 nm), independent from the fuel used.

Occupational fatalities during the oil and gas boom--United States, 2003-2013.

During 2003-2013, the U.S. oil and gas extraction industry experienced unprecedented growth, doubling the size of its workforce and increasing the number of drilling rigs by 71%. To describe fatal events among oil and gas workers during this period, CDC analyzed data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI), a comprehensive database of fatal work injuries. During 2003-2013, the number of work-related fatalities in the oil and gas extraction industry increased 27.6%, with a total of 1,189 deaths; however, the annual occupational fatality rate significantly decreased 36.3% (p<0.05) during this 11-year period. Two-thirds of all worker fatalities were attributed to transportation incidents (479, [40.3%]) and contact with objects/equipment (308 [25.9%]). More than 50% of persons fatally injured were employed by companies that service wells (615 [51.7%]). It is important for employers to consider measures such as land transportation safety policies and engineering controls (e.g., automated technologies) that would address these leading causes of death and reduce workers' exposure to hazards.

Measurements of methane emissions from natural gas gathering facilities and processing plants: measurement results.

Facility-level methane emissions were measured at 114 gathering facilities and 16 processing plants in the United States natural gas system. At gathering facilities, the measured methane emission rates ranged from 0.7 to 700 kg per hour (kg/h) (0.6 to 600 standard cubic feet per minute (scfm)). Normalized emissions (as a % of total methane throughput) were less than 1% for 85 gathering facilities and 19 had normalized emissions less than 0.1%. The range of methane emissions rates for processing plants was 3 to 600 kg/h (3 to 524 scfm), corresponding to normalized methane emissions rates <1% in all cases. The distributions of methane emissions, particularly for gathering facilities, are skewed. For example, 30% of gathering facilities contribute 80% of the total emissions. Normalized emissions rates are negatively correlated with facility throughput. The variation in methane emissions also appears driven by differences between inlet and outlet pressure, as well as venting and leaking equipment. Substantial venting from liquids storage tanks was observed at 20% of gathering facilities. Emissions rates at these facilities were, on average, around four times the rates observed at similar facilities without substantial venting.

Life cycle assessment of gasoline production and use in Chile.

Gasoline is the second most consumed fuel in Chile, accounting for 34% of the total fuel consumption in transportation related activities in 2012. Chilean refineries process more than 97% of the total gasoline commercialized in the national market. When it comes to evaluating the environmental profile of a Chilean process or product, the analysis should consider the characteristics of the Chilean scenario for fuel production and use. Therefore, the identification of the environmental impacts of gasoline production turns to be very relevant for the determination of the associated environmental impacts. For this purpose, Life Cycle Assessment has been selected as a useful methodology to assess the ecological burdens derived from fuel-based systems. In this case study, five subsystems were considered under a "well-to-wheel" analysis: crude oil extraction, gasoline importation, refinery, gasoline storage and distribution/use. The distance of 1 km driven by a middle size passenger car was chosen as functional unit. Moreover, volume, economic and energy-based allocations were also considered in a further sensitivity analysis. According to the results, the main hotspots were the refining activities as well as the tailpipe emissions from car use. When detailing by impact category, climate change was mainly affected by the combustion emissions derived from the gasoline use and refining activities. Refinery was also remarkable in toxicity related categories due to heavy metals emissions. In ozone layer and mineral depletion, transport activities played an important role. Refinery was also predominant in photochemical oxidation and water depletion. In terms of terrestrial acidification and marine eutrophication, the combustion emissions from gasoline use accounted for large contributions. This study provides real inventory data for the Chilean case study and the environmental results give insight into their influence of the assessment of products and processes in the country. Moreover, they could be compared with production and distribution schemes in other regions.

Interleukin-10 involvement in exposure to low dose of benzene.

OBJECTIVE: To establish if serum levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10) in subjects exposed to benzene are connected with age, working years, and employment age. METHODS: We evaluated serum levels of IL-10 in 51 employees working in oil refinery (group A) and in 16 office workers who resided in the same area (group B). RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference between serum concentrations of IL-10 in groups A and B. There was a statistically significant dependent relationship in group A between age, working years, and serum concentration of IL-10. There was a statistically significant and positive dependent relationship in group A between serum concentration of IL-10 and employment age. CONCLUSIONS: The role played by IL-10 in benzene immune suppression may be relevant and attention should be directed toward assessment of age, working years, and employment age in benzene-exposed populations.

Injury rates on new and old technology oil and gas rigs operated by the largest United States onshore drilling contractor.

BACKGROUND: Occupational fatality rates among oil and gas extraction industry and specifically among drilling contractor workers are high compared to the U.S. all-industry average. There is scant literature focused on non-fatal injuries among drilling contractors, some of which have introduced engineering controls to improve rig efficiency and reduce injury risk. METHODS: We compared injury rates on new and old technology rigs operated by the largest U.S. drilling contractor during 2003-2012, stratifying by job type and grouping outcomes by injury severity and body part affected. RESULTS: Six hundred seventy-one injuries were recorded over 77.4 million person-hours. The rate on new rigs was 66% of that on old rigs. Roughnecks had lower injury rates on new rigs, largely through reduced limb injury rates. New rigs had lower rates in each non-fatal injury severity category. CONCLUSIONS: For this company, new technology rigs appear to provide a safer environment for roughnecks. Future studies could include data from additional companies.