GOING FORTH SAFELY INTO THE FIELD OF GEOLOGY

Most geology graduates have had little academic exposure regarding the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) or its Agreement State counterparts or the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). Field geology classes offered in college typically do not address what the regulatory requirements are for employers and employees as well as established best practices associated with working safely as a geologist. When working in the field, a geologist must understand the basic concepts of safety, its role in employer's expectations and the current emphasis on it within the exploration and production industry including oil and gas and mining, geotechnical and environmental consulting or other industries employing geologists who conduct field or laboratory work. Geology graduates may not have the understanding of how important performing their duties safely is and the impact it has on their employer if they are injured while in the field. Having this knowledge during the interview process for a job can easily put a prospective candidate at the top of the candidate list. This knowledge can also contribute to their safety awareness, 24/7. With the Deepwater Horizon and Upper Branch Mine disasters having root causes tied to the safe conduct of work, many geology graduates are unaware of these issues. This paper provides a basic foundation regarding the concepts of what a Job Hazard Analyses (JHA) is, regulatory requirements associated with field work and the key elements and structure of a comprehensive health, safety and environment program most companies employing geologist have implemented.