In response to increases in workforce injuries in the oil and gas sector, the North Dakota Safety Council (NDSC) and the Workforce Safety and Insurance are hosting an oil and gas safety seminar in Williston on Oct. 21 at the El Rancho Hotel.

NDSC Executive Director Chuck Clairmont said the number of reported injuries in the oil and gas sector has increased from 182 people in 2003 to 540 in 2008.

"It's three times the injuries that had happened just five years ago, so we know we need to do something, and we are hoping this can make a difference," added Clairmont.

About 40 people have pre-registered for the four-hour seminar in Williston. The other two sessions are on Monday, Oct. 20, in Dickinson and Wednesday, Oct. 22, in Minot.

"There is so many more workers of all ages in this oil and gas industry that we really need to focus on something to make sure the trend doesn't continue," Clairmont said. He added industry workers have very little safety education available to them. So the NDSC is planning to provide additional safety training programs for jobs in the oil and gas industry.

The NDSC is also adding a group of consultant and safety trainers to its staff in January.

Dale Robinson, occupational safety and health consultant and owner of HR Safety Consulting, is heading the presentations that begins at 8 a.m in Williston.

"We feel there is more people in the field, and there is the need for safety information," said Tanya Wisnewski, NDSC marketing coordinator, who added this is the first year the NDSC is offering an oil and gas safety seminar.

Robinson, who has over 28 years of experience in the oil and gas sector, is to identify common dangers within the industry and provide prevention techniques.

"He is very well known in the industry as a safety and health trainer," said Wisnewski.

Robinson, of Colorado, is providing information on safety programs that are either required or recommended for oil and gas companies, as well as the Contractor Assessment Program for contractors and subcontractors. The public also has an opportunity to learn about Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards.

Robinson also is to highlight the importance of providing programs in hydrogen sulfide, hot work permitting, lockout and tagout, confined space entry, excavations, multi-cultural workforce and substance abuse.

The seminar is free and open to the public, but pre-registration is required. For more information and to register, call 701-223-6372 or visit www.ndsc.org.