Impairment Risks in the Oil and Gas Industry

The oil and gas industry is known for its demanding work environment, often requiring long hours, physically strenuous tasks, and high-risk operational settings. These conditions, while critical to maintaining energy infrastructure, also significantly increase the likelihood of worker impairment—particularly due to fatigue and substance use.

Many characteristics of oil and gas work, including long work hours, shift work, fatigue, and high physical demand, are also known risk factors for substance use. These stressors not only impact mental and physical health but also increase the potential for risky coping behaviors, such as the misuse of drugs or alcohol. In fact, one report on workplace substance use found that from 2008 to 2012, workers in the mining, quarrying, and oil and gas extraction sector (NAICS 21)—the majority of which are oil and gas workers—had the highest rate of heavy alcohol use (17.5%) of any sector.

In addition to substance use, fatigue itself remains a critical safety concern. Extremely fatigued workers are 70% more likely to be involved in an accident. This is even more important because fatigued driving is especially problematic in the oil and gas industry, where workers often commute long distances to remote work sites after extended shifts. As noted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), "fatigued driving is a major source of crashes in [the oil and gas] industry". The CDC also notes that 40% of work-related deaths in the oil and gas industry are from crashes.

Fatigue impairment in the oil and gas industry is driven by a combination of factors. Long shifts—often exceeding 12 hours—combined with irregular schedules and physically taxing labor, create the perfect storm for exhaustion. Workers may find themselves operating heavy equipment or navigating hazardous environments while cognitively and physically depleted, leading to increased risk of accidents, injuries, and fatalities.

Traditional drug tests are limited in detecting real-time impairment. They may register substances long after effects have worn off—or fail to detect non-substance-related impairment, like fatigue. This leaves critical safety gaps in high-risk environments like oil and gas.

Tenvos offers a modern alternative. Its impairment management technology delivers real-time alerts of impairment, helping organizations proactively identify risks. With these insights, safety teams can take timely action to protect workers and prevent incidents.

Addressing impairment in the OGE industry requires a comprehensive approach that considers both substance use and fatigue. Employers must adopt proactive measures, including fatigue risk management programs, regular impairment assessments, and supportive workplace policies. Promoting awareness, education, and early intervention can make a meaningful difference in protecting workers and sustaining safe operations.