Oil and gas operations expose workers to some of the most demanding occupational health and safety hazards in Canada. From drilling sites and processing facilities to terminals and refineries, workers may encounter high noise levels and respiratory hazards as part of their daily work.
Most organizations recognize these risks but maintaining consistent and compliant surveillance programs across multiple locations and work environments can be challenging.
The result is not just regulatory exposure. Gaps in surveillance can lead to undetected health issues and increased claims,
Across Canada, occupational health requirements are governed at the provincial level, with surveillance obligations often tied to specific workplace exposures. While regulations vary by jurisdiction, employers are expected to assess risk, implement appropriate controls, and maintain documentation to demonstrate compliance.
This is where structured hearing and respiratory surveillance programs make a measurable difference.
The Two Risks That Are Often Underestimated
1. Noise Exposure and Hearing Loss
Noise exposure is a constant reality across many oil and gas operations. Compressors, drilling equipment, pumps, heavy machinery, and processing facilities can all expose workers to elevated noise levels.
Without proper controls and monitoring, prolonged exposure can result in permanent noise-induced hearing loss.
What often gets missed:
Baseline audiometric testing is not consistently completed
Periodic testing is delayed or overlooked
Threshold shifts are not properly investigated
Hearing protection is provided without fit testing or training
Without a structured approach, hearing conservation programs become reactive rather than preventative.
What a strong program includes:
Baseline audiometric testing before exposure begins
Regular periodic testing to monitor changes over time to identify changes early
Investigation and follow-up when threshold shifts occur
Hearing protection training and fit testing
Ongoing program reviews to evaluate effectiveness
2. Respiratory Exposure and Lung Health
Oil and gas workers may encounter a variety of respiratory hazards, including silica dust, asbestos, diesel particulate matter, welding fumes, hydrocarbons, and hydrogen sulphide (H₂S).
Even when engineering controls and personal protective equipment are in place, ongoing surveillance remains critical.
Common gaps include:
Surveillance testing (e.g. Spirometry testing) is not performed regularly
Respirator fit testing is treated as a one-time activity
Testing records are difficult to track across sites
These gaps create risk not only for workers, but also for employers during audits, investigations, or regulatory reviews.
What a strong program includes:
Baseline and periodic spirometry testing and chest x-ray
Regular respirator fit testing and training
Medical assessments for respirator users
Clear documentation and compliance tracking
Ongoing program reviews to evaluate effectiveness
Integration with broader safety and health programs
Where Oil and Gas Companies Typically Struggle
Even organizations with mature safety programs encounter operational challenges:
Managing testing across remote locations
Coordinating appointments for rotating crews
Maintaining audit-ready records
Ensuring consistency across contractors and regions
These gaps are rarely intentional. They are often the result of operational complexity rather than lack of awareness.
What an Effective Surveillance Program Looks Like
A well-run occupational health program should be consistent, trackable, and easy to manage.
It should:
Support employees throughout their employment lifecycle, from hire to retire
Standardize testing protocols across locations
Provide visibility into compliance status
Simplify booking, testing, and record management
Adapt to changing operational risks
Organizations that take a proactive approach to surveillance are better positioned to protect workers, reduce administrative burden, and maintain compliance.
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