Oil field workers drill at Gypsum Hills, near Medicine Lodge, Kan., in October 2012. The Fatalities in Oil and Gas Extraction, or FOG, says eight men died on Colorado’s oil patches a year ago. (Associated Press file)
Re: “Colorado oil deaths greater in 2014 than previously calculated,” Nov. 8 news story.
According to your article, “2014 was tougher on oil field workers in Colorado than previously calculated.” However, it was interesting to note the “miscalculation” was the result of two additional deaths when workers were killed assisting a motorist with a flat tire.
Industrial activity does have inherent risks, and great effort is made by the oil and gas industry to reduce injuries and fatalities. Work-related fatalities nationally in the oil industry account for 3 percent of all work-related deaths.
The oil and gas industry works under constant scrutiny but continues to make improvements for the safety of workers. The industry also works on efficiency of operations, exceeds emissions standards, contributes millions of dollars to local governments and invests more dollars in reducing greenhouse gas emissions than any other industry.
Ken Summers, Fort Collins
The writer is a former state representative and is co-chair of the Larimer Energy Action Project.
This letter was published in the Nov. 13 edition.
