WorldWide Drilling Resource

Environmental Monitoring by Thomas Kwader, Ph.D., P.G. SAFETY ~ An Ever-Evolving Learning Experience The words “safe” and “safety” have been around forever. However, their usage and importance have been on the rise. I recently retired as a career geologist and licensed water well con- tractor. I believe we have all seen and experienced the impor- tance to conduct our work safety and without any “accidents”. Your safety record as a water well contractor can help win large contracts or disqualify your firm from getting a contract if your safety record is poor. A poor safety record can dam- age your reputation and cost you by having extremely high insurance premiums. More importantly, the health and well-being of you and your employees are viewed by many as a measure of the quality of your company. Drilling has always been considered a dangerous business; however, we have seen many safety improvements over the last 40 years. I remember when drilling was largely performed by means of mechanical lifting, rotating, and threading pipes with chains, tongs, gears, and ropes. Fortunately, now much of the work is performed by hydraulic motors, cylinders, and wrenches. At one time, it was a requirement for drill operators and/or helpers to be big, strong, and healthy because of the lifting of heavy wrenches, drill pipe, bits, and sacks of mud and concrete. Currently, there is a push for employees not to lift anything more than 40 pounds. I really believe we are close to accomplishing this goal, and we can do it if we desire to and put our minds to it. We should all be aware of the safest way to perform all of our tasks. Even if it takes a little longer to get an extra hand or bring in a forklift or manlift to do something safer - it is worth it in the long run when we can return home to our families at the end of the day, unharmed and safe. The long-term impacts of many injuries can last the rest of our lives, or worse yet, can cost us our lives. Slow down, think it through, and ask the fol- lowing: 1) What am I about to do? 2) What could go wrong? 3) What could I do to make it safer? 4) What have I done to convey this to others? Tom Tom Kwader may be contacted via e-mail to michele@worldwidedrillingresource.com 302-684-3197 FAX: 302-384-0643 142 Broadkill Rd. • Milton, DE 19968 www.atlantic-screen.com email: atlantic@ce.net Manufacturers of Slotted & Perforated Pipe ranging from ½” to 24” diameter Atlantic Screen & Mfg., Inc. • Well Rehab. Products • Manholes • Bentonite • Filter Sock • Inline Chemical Mixers • Sampling Bailers • Clear PVC Pipe • Locking Caps 33 WorldWide Drilling Resource ® FEBRUARY 2019 The CGA (Common Ground Alliance) 811 Excavation Safety Conference & Expo is the international event dedicated to providing educational content and resources to protect buried assets - for under- ground damage prevention. The 2019 gathering will be held March 26-28, at the Tampa Convention Center in Tampa, Florida. There’s numerous opportunities to learn new information, network with peers who understand your job, and to share ideas with dedicated professionals. Register at www.cgaconference.com The 2019 New England Water Well Expo is scheduled for March 8-9, at the Best Western Royal Plaza Trade Center in Marlborough, Massachusetts. Education seminars begin at 10:00 a.m. on Friday, followed by a trade show preview at 4:00 p.m. Family fun night and games start at 6:30 p.m. More education opportunities are offered on Saturday, along with the exhibits opening at 8:00 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Visit www.newwassociation.org Tennessee Water Well Association’s Annual Meeting & Trade Show will be March 15-16, once again at The Park Vista Hotel in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Don’t miss the technical sessions, vendor displays, dinner, and auction! Get details by e-mailing info@tnwaterwellassociation.org Where are you planning to go? How about including these shows: Join WWDR WW R See more events at www.worldwidedrillingresource.com online issue. ENV