New workers in the O&G industry often face a steep learning curve, and the high-stakes environment demands precision and safety at all times.
Many newcomers unknowingly fall into similar traps, which can hinder their growth, safety, and efficiency on the job.
Here’s a look at ten common mistakes new oil and gas workers make—and how you can avoid them for a successful start in the field.
1. Overlooking Safety Protocols:
Safety is paramount in the oil and gas industry. Unfortunately, new workers sometimes underestimate the importance of safety procedures, viewing them as routine or unnecessary. This mindset is risky, as accidents and injuries can have severe consequences for both the individual and the team.
Treat every safety protocol as essential. Attend safety briefings, follow established procedures, and always use the required personal protective equipment. Prioritizing safety shows responsibility and benefits everyone around you.
2. Not Familiarizing yourself with equipment:
In such a technical industry, understanding the equipment is crucial. Some new workers may attempt to operate machinery without fully understanding its functions, which can lead to operational delays or even accidents.
Take time to learn how each piece of equipment works. Ask experienced colleagues for demonstrations, consult manuals, and watch tutorials if available. The more you understand your tools, the more efficient and confident you’ll be.
3. Failing to communicate clearly:
In a busy and often noisy environment, communication is key to keeping everything running smoothly. Misunderstandings can lead to mistakes and, in some cases, put safety at risk.
Practice clear, concise communication, especially in high-stakes situations. If you’re uncertain about instructions, ask for clarification. Repeating back critical information can help confirm your understanding and ensure everyone is on the same page.
4. Ignoring Training:
Proper training is essential in the oil and gas industry, but new workers may skip additional training opportunities, assuming that basic skills are enough. This can limit their ability to handle complex tasks or respond to unexpected situations.
Embrace training as an ongoing opportunity for growth. Attend all required sessions and look for extra training opportunities in areas where you feel less confident. Continual learning shows your commitment to excellence and prepares you for the diverse challenges of the industry.
5. Avoiding Questions
Many new workers feel they need to avoid asking questions, fearing that it may show inexperience. But not seeking clarification on tasks can lead to errors and inefficiencies.
Embrace the learning process. Supervisors and seasoned colleagues appreciate questions because they prevent mistakes later on. If you’re unsure about any task, asking questions demonstrates responsibility and a willingness to learn.
6. Ignoring proper lifting techniques
In a physical job like oil and gas work, proper lifting techniques are essential. Some new workers skip these guidelines and attempt to lift heavy objects improperly, risking strains and injuries.
Always follow ergonomic lifting techniques. Use available mechanical aids or ask for assistance when an object is too heavy. Proper lifting habits protect your health and longevity in this physically demanding field.
7. Not building relationships with colleagues
The oil and gas industry relies on teamwork and trust. New workers who focus solely on their own tasks without building rapport miss out on a valuable support network and may feel isolated.
Take time to connect with your colleagues, learn their strengths, and understand how your roles intersect. Strong relationships enhance teamwork, improve communication, and make work more enjoyable.
8. Overlooking emergency procedures
Knowing what to do in an emergency can save lives. However, new workers sometimes overlook these procedures, believing they won’t need them or feeling too overwhelmed to memorize them.
Familiarize yourself with all emergency protocols and participate actively in safety drills. Understand the locations of emergency exits, first aid kits, and muster points. Preparing for emergencies ensures that you can act quickly and responsibly if something goes wrong.
9. Relying too heavily on others
While teamwork is essential, some new workers may rely too much on their experienced colleagues, expecting them to fill in knowledge gaps or take on challenging tasks.
Strike a balance between seeking help and taking responsibility. Be proactive in learning from your colleagues, but also put effort into building your own knowledge base. Taking ownership of tasks shows initiative and earns respect from your team.
10. Failing to manage stress & fatigue
The fast-paced, high-pressure nature of oil and gas work can lead to stress and burnout, affecting mental clarity and physical performance. New workers might not yet have developed coping mechanisms, increasing their risk of fatigue-related mistakes.
Prioritize stress management by taking moments throughout the day to reset. Regularly engage in physical activity, practice relaxation techniques, and ensure sufficient rest outside of work. Effective stress management helps you stay sharp and resilient in the field.
Starting in the oil and gas industry comes with its challenges, but avoiding these common mistakes can set you up for a rewarding and successful career.
By embracing safety, seeking knowledge, building connections, and managing your well-being, you’ll be prepared to thrive in this demanding field.
Each small improvement in your daily habits and interactions can make a significant difference in your career path.
The oil and gas industry rewards dedication, diligence, and a willingness to learn. By following these guidelines, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a valued and effective team member. Upskill with our 10+ Supervisory level training for Oil & Gas
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