Exxon issues stand-down across US shale operations due to worker injuries
Thursday, September 29, 2022
Exxon Mobil issued a temporary stand-down of its U.S. shale operations last week in response to back-to-back worker injuries, which included one fatality, according to Reuters.
The incidents have cropped up amid a struggle to find qualified oil field workers to restart some operations that were halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Two worker accidents within days at production sites run by Exxon’s shale unit spurred the stand-down. It comes as Exxon is facing multiple negligence lawsuits.
The stand-down did not affect oil production, however, activity was halted during maintenance work at a site following last week’s fatality, according to Exxon.
Learn more: Reuters > Exxon orders shale stand-down over rash of oilfield worker injuries
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Shale FAQ
What is fracking?
Fracking is a slang term for hydraulic fracturing. Fracturing is a process by which highly pressurized fluid is pumped thousands of feet into the ground to fracture rock formations. The goal is to release the natural gas that’s locked inside the rock.
Is it safe?
What most concerns people about fracturing is ground water contamination. The worry is that fractures underground, caused by the process, will extending upwards and into aquifers, releasing gas and chemicals into the ground water supply. There’s been no confirmed reports of such a thing happening. Though surface spills and drill site blowouts can lead to localized environmental concerns.
Will my water catch on fire?
Flammable water is caused by the release of methane gas into a drinking water supply. Methane gas occurs naturally and can be released by any kind of drilling, including water wells. In Pennsylvania officials fined Chesapeake Energy $1 million for contaminating ground water with methane. It was determined that the company had not properly cemented it’s boreholes and gas migrated up the well, between rock and into aquifers.