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NORA Oil and Gas Extraction Council

Formed in 2008, the NORA for Oil and Gas Extraction Council includes industry representation from operating, drilling, and servicing companies; Occupational Safety and Health Administration; trade associations; academia; and major insurance companies. Together we determine and conduct priority research and identify emerging issues in the industry. Currently the council has formed workgroups to identify and conduct research and prevention activities in the following areas:

  1.  Motor vehicle safety
  2. Safety
  3. Health
  4. Cross-cutting issues (includes leading indicators, contractor management and management of contracted work)

Contact the council co-chair to volunteer for the Oil and Gas Extraction council. Contact the NORA Coordinator with general questions or comments about NORA.  

Meetings and News

The NORA Oil and Gas Extraction Council is currently working to update the Oil and Gas Extraction Agenda for the third decade of NORA. It will be available for public comment in summer 2017.

Sector Description

The oil and gas extraction industry is comprised of establishments that operate and/or develop oil and gas field properties. Such activities may include exploration for crude petroleum and natural gas; drilling, completing, and equipping wells; operating separators, emulsion breakers, desilting equipment, and field gathering lines for crude petroleum and natural gas; and all other activities in the preparation of oil and gas up to the point of shipment from the producing property. The NAICS identifies three types of companies in the exploration and production industry: oil and gas operators who control and manage leased areas (NAICS 211), drilling companies who drill the wells (NAICS 213111) and well servicing companies who provide all other types of support operations that prepare a well for completion and production (NAICS 213112). These workers face many occupational risks such as motor vehicle crashes, contact with tools and equipment, fire and explosions, exposure to chemicals, and shift work.

Information is available about the NIOSH Oil and Gas Extraction Program, which facilitates the work of the Council.

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