Jobs in ND Oil Patch

Check out the Williston Herald and McKenzie Farmer newspapers. Look at past issues. Another situation happened just last week but I haven't been able to find anything on that...it's something my husband heard about. The man fortunately wasn't killed, but suffered 70% burns on his body. There's other tragic (and stupid/preventable) accidents that have happened but I don't want go into the detail here. You'll find the reports. Just hunt for them. I worry for my husband who is a veteran driver and is taking precautions. The one thing that REALLY freaks me out (and I wish I didn't know about it) is that HS2 gas...omg..I think that's what it's called...he said it's heavier than air, can cause flash fires. This is a hazardous job. The road conditions are crap at best. Someone else said this before, and I agree, this is not the place for a newbie to be cutting their teeth. I don't want to come off sounding mean here, but I just feel that experience will help you, take your precautions, go slow and do your homework. If some employer will toss you in a truck and throw you in the field, you need to know what you're up against.

 

If you look at statistics, driving a truck is an inherently dangerous occupation. Oilfield work adds additional dangers and most likely increases the odds of being injured.

Still most of the companies doing oilfield work are very safety conscious. Given the training and protective gear, a conscientious person who uses safe practices will not likely ever be involved in an accident. IMHO a newbie would be far more likely to have a driving related accident than an oilfield related accident.

These are just my own opinions and I have no data to support them.

 

Ive recently seen the data and newbs in their first 3 months run the highest risk of injuries in the oil field, so i'd imagine otr shouldnt be too far off.

I dont think it means a consciensious type person is doomed to the statistics though like you said.

 

Lots of drivers work out here for years without ever having their H2S monitor go off, and there are lots of safety procedures in place to prevent injuries. The righands, derrick worker, etc. are the people who have a lot of hazards. Other than that most truckers get the same injuries here they do driving OTR or anything else. You twist your back getting out of the cab or pulling hoses, you go into the ditch or get into an accident, you slip on the ice, etc. Some accidents are impossible to avoid because you just happened to be the guy who was on that road that day, other times it's due to someone getting in a hurry. As long as you don't get in too big a hurry and use your head, it's not too much different than any other job. Wildflower don't worry about your husband and the H2S, they make a much bigger deal out of it than it is. He could be working out here for a long time and never even have his monitor go off like I said.

 

Same as clone884, I to am starting school at united and will be done in mid Dec. After much consideration and info from this site, (thanks all) I have decided to otr for 6mo or so. Think heading north this time of year would be nuts! Unless you had roots and a warm place to stay.
As far as the risk, I was injured in the mid 70s in west Tex. on a pulling unit floor because of a drunk operator miscounting tubing stands coming out of the well, tubing anchor won't fit through slips, esp at full speed! Jack and a cheek full of redman was standard procedure in those days, think it,s a lot safer now. The driving will be as safe as ones attn. span and hopefully the next guys. I just keep waking up wondering how you keep a couple empty bottom dumps on the road in the ice?

 

The 70-80's West Texas was a different oilfield for sure! My dad was a Roughneck back in the early 80's and they would load up on Budweiser and ice instead of water. I don't see how they made it!

Anyhow, as mentioned above, it's a much safer oilfield today. Everyone is taught to think safety, issued H2S sensors, and fire retardant over-alls etc. I will however say I twisted my ankle really bad the first month on my fuel hoses. My ankle and pride hurt for months!

 

Clone, As long as you quit the right way, you should be alright . if you abandon your equipment, or just tell them F U I quit, you can say Bye Bye to your clean DAC

 

There are jobs you can get here working in the oil field that do not require CDL or CDL experience, but you will be in the trucks and getting your hands on them DAILY. The position is called SWAMPER. It is a helper position for truck drivers. If you want to break into the ND oil patch and get in good with the company management, become a swamper and work your way up. When you are familiar with the drivers, you will get the driving experience you need through them, and later you can apply for a driving position.

 

Last night was the first snow of the season in upstate ND. Four inches where I am. People forgot how to drive on ice, I swear. Between Minot and Tioga, I counted no fewer than ten pickups and cars in the ditches. I drove 35 during some windy snow and a double-bottom passed me doing at least 50. I saw him start to lose it on the ice, and sure enough, into the ditch he went.

There are alot of folks in ND for their first real Winter. And the real snow has yet to fall. Drive safe everyone, and watch out for the people without car insurance.

 

Has anyone on here actually just drove up there to locate a job? I'm in miles city Montana and I'm gonna take a ride to Williston ND tomorrow to see if its actually easy to get a Driver job in Williston.. Alot of the news broadcasts say for people to apply on JobsND.com before showing up.... Anyone have other real time info to post...