Page 2 - Suncor 360

MY JOURNEY TO ZERO

“Taking a shortcut could

lead to a shorter limb or

a shorter life.”

Mike Doyle

Manager, EH&S oil sands & in situ
drilling, completions, logistics,
land and resources, Calgary

While training drilling contractors, Mike Doyle

always asks for a show of hands of how many

of them have hit a hydraulic hose on something

to bleed off the pressure. Almost everyone

raises their hand.

“It’s a learned habit,” says Mike. “Most workers have been taught

to bang the hose on something hard, but many of them don’t
realize the danger they’re putting themselves in.”

In 2013, while improperly bleeding off a hydraulic line, a drilling
contractor’s thumb was punctured by pressurized hydraulic oil.
Although he didn’t notice any immediate effects, he was rushed

into emergency surgery the next day to remove the oil.

“Hydraulic oil has no way of exiting the body naturally,” says Mike.
“If you don’t extract it early, it can cause severe health effects,
amputation or death.”

Thankfully the worker’s thumb was saved and he was able to return

to work, but he learned his lesson.

“This is a true example of the dangerous effects of stored energy,”
explains Mike. “Pressured hydraulic systems are basically on
every site and we need to raise awareness that using equipment
properly not only is part of best-practice procedures, but it also
prevents injuries.”

SAFETY MOMENT

Even if you’ve completed a job several times without
getting injured, don’t underestimate the importance

of following safe practices and procedures. Here are
some helpful reminders:

•Take your time – rushing to complete a job makes you susceptible
to injury.

•Do the job right – taking extra time to do your job properly
ensures you are being safe and that the equipment is ready to

use for the next worker.
•Ask questions – if you’re unsure about a procedure or how to use
equipment, ask your supervisor. Asking questions will help you

understand all of the steps required to do your job.
•If you’re injured, seek medical attention – even if you think it’s
nothing, get it checked out. It’s better to be safe than sorry.