“Aware,” an oil and gas safety training course developed by West Virginia University Safety and Health Extension specialists and industry experts, has earned accreditation by the International Association of Drilling Contractors Rig Pass Program.

The Rig Pass Program monitors curriculum to ensure it meets SafeLandUSA endorsement standards. SafeLandUSA is a volunteer organization which sets minimum requirements for the oil and gas industry’s safety orientations.

“This is a high-risk industry,” explains Tiffany Rice, WVU Safety and Health Extension specialist. “It’s crucial that employees are trained before entering the workforce so they can learn to recognize, and potentially avoid, hazards on the jobsite. ‘Aware’ helps them to do that.”

The “Aware” course provides a unique picture-based learning system which helps the participant to relate safety hazards in a practical and clear manner for employees. Current and potential oil and gas employees can register for the course on the WVU Safety and Health website, safetyandhealth.ext.wvu.edu.

WVU Safety and Health Extension is also accepting applications to train future “Aware” curriculum instructors. Potential instructors must have two years of experience with health, safety and environmental work and/or experience in the oil and gas industry. Relevant training and teaching experience is also required.

For information on applying for the instructor course, or more information on “Aware,” contact Rice at Tiffany.Rice@mail.wvu.edu, or call 304-293-2852.

-WVU-

cw/mb/02/11/14

CONTACT: Cassie Waugh, WVU Extension Service
304.293.8735, Cassie.Waugh@mail.wvu.edu

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