Our Response to COVID-19
We are committed to continuing the safe and efficient production of the oil, gas and chemicals that support the critical processes and products necessary to meet the world’s needs.
Our hearts go out to those across the world affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, with special appreciation for the first responders and health care workers on the front lines during this unprecedented time.
We are committed to continuing the safe and efficient production of the oil, gas and chemicals that support the critical processes and products necessary to meet the world’s energy and basic chemicals needs and address challenges arising from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Supporting Our Communities
In Houston, home of our headquarters, we have donated personal protection equipment to our longtime health partner, Houston Methodist, to aid in protecting medical personnel from the risks of contracting COVID-19 while providing care to community residents. Our OxyChem Taft plant in Louisiana also donated protective coveralls, nitrile laboratory gloves and safety glasses for St. Charles Parish Hospital.
In Oman, we’re collaborating with the Ministry of Education to establish an electronic preparation platform as a resource to help more than 50,000 teachers prepare virtual lessons and materials to facilitate daily learning tasks beyond student teaching. Furthermore, Occidental is honored to support the Ministry of Health’s campaign to purchase and provide COVID-19 vaccinations for the benefit of the Omani people.
Protecting Our Workforce
To help contain the spread of COVID-19, we implemented a work-from-home policy for those employees able to perform their work from home. Employees managing essential duties at Occidental’s worksites are implementing best practices for safety and health, including practicing social distancing and wearing face coverings, along with appropriate personal protective equipment. Our management and internal health and safety experts are closely monitoring the official guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, World Health Organization and local health officials across the globe where we operate.
Producing Essential Products
Occidental’s dedicated workforce continues to produce the oil and gas necessary to help power life-saving medical equipment, health care facilities and other critical infrastructure, as well as produce multiple chemicals necessary to protect and enhance our quality of life.
OxyChem, our chemicals subsidiary, is proud to be a part of the critical infrastructure providing key life-enhancing products, including those used for health care and personal protection equipment. We manufacture chemicals used in water treatment, various cleaners and sanitizers, pharmaceuticals and durable PVC found in essential medical supplies, such as blood bags and tubing.
Positioning Our Business
Occidental has taken significant actions to mitigate the impacts on its business due to the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic, lower global oil demand, the global oil supply surplus and storage shortage and resulting lower commodity prices.