Occupational hazards in onshore upstream unconventional natural gas extraction

Occupational hazards of the oil and gas workforce are of interest due to oilfield occupations presenting high risks, and the little known regarding chronic exposures and health effects faced by this workforce. Public health officials and media alike, centering attention around the general population, have overlooked a population likely to have higher exposure rates over longer durations than the general population, while the workforce remains underserved. As a result, this essay intends to identify and detail the public health importance of the occupational hazards of oil and gas extraction workers, specifically in onshore upstream unconventional fields as well as make recommendations for action and research