Select Announces 2018 Safety Recognition Program Finalists
Select Energy Services holds the highest regard for safety as we strive to keep a strong safety record. Each year, we challenge our own safety performance from the previous year while raising the standards of safety in the industry.
Creating a safety culture at Select is imperative and because of its significance, we implemented the Safety Recognition Program in 2016. We like to recognize and reward those who have demonstrated exemplary work ethic while upholding the importance of safety in their everyday jobs. These individuals also make it a priority to guide and educate their colleagues on maintaining a safety culture in the workplace.
Throughout the year, we award safety medallions to individuals based on outstanding merit. Every Select employee is eligible to participate and has the potential of being awarded up to five safety medallions a year—each being more prestigious. If an employee has earned all five safety medallions by the end of the year, they are commended and become a finalist for a grand prize.
In 2018, Select Energy Services recognized 1,331 of its employees through the safety recognition program. Through the success of the program and commitment from the employees, 18 of those employees achieved all five levels.
This year our grand prize is a brand-new pickup truck valued at $41,000. Our second-place prize is $7,500 and our third-place prize is $5,000. Finalists who place fourth, fifth, and sixth will receive a TV.
Each finalist will be entered for a chance to win a prize drawn in ascending order—starting from sixth-place. All participants will be awarded with a customize jacket and plaque.
Before we stream our giveaway on January 30 via Facebook Live, we would like to introduce each finalist leading up to the event. We would also like to thank all of our employees for their exceptional roles in promoting a safety culture at Select.
MEET FINALIST SETH ROLLER
Tell us about yourself?
I have two boys, one just recently born and a 4-year-old. My fiancé and I live in a small town called Cambridge, OH. We enjoy going to baseball games every year. My time off is spent at home with my family and our dog, Gypsy. I’m prior military and was stationed at Fort Riley, KS.
How long have you been with Select?
I have worked at Select for two years.
What attracted you to the O&G industry? How did you get started in the O&G industry?
I would have to say that my interest in the industry began when I came back home. My friends from high school, all having different jobs in the field, is what mostly drew me in. I got started after I left the state prison as a corrections officer. I needed to change careers to something that was fast paced and kept me going. The job with Crescent Services, now Select Energy Services, was my first O&G job.
Describe a day in your job?
A simple (and I say that lightly) day in my job consists of making sure that the entire crew for my job site is on time and fit for work. After that, I usually delegate the tasks at each pump location to each member of the crew, and we ride out accordingly. Once we are on location, before heading to the safety meeting, I make sure that all of my crew has proper PPE and then remind everyone about filling out the JSA. I then run the operations on pad and keep the transfer line under control while getting stage information from the frac crew.
What is a safety issue that O&G workers face in the industry? What precautions have you and your team taken to prevent accidents?
Safety issues that we all face in the industry are blown out hoses and iron. Every day in the safety meeting, I preach about watching our hoses. I tell everyone to step over the lines, not on them—to avoid rupturing the hose. Iron on the frac side is the same way: it’s under intense pressure and is also a tripping hazard. Being mindful of foot placement, foot traffic, and avoidance is a must. If you can walk around the area, then do so. Do not put yourself in a potentially threatening situation.
How would you compare your first day at Select to today?
My first day on the job was a mind-blowing experience. It was an industry that I had never been a part of before. Everything was fast paced, and I was lost on what to do. Today and now, I’ve come so far. I’m a crew lead within the yard. I make sure that I take the time to learn whatever I can. Now, I make sure that all of the new guys aren’t in for a shock when they come to work, so that they feel more comfortable being in the industry.
What motivates you to keep safety as a priority?
I think the biggest thing that motivates me to keep safety as a priority are the other guys that I work with on a daily basis. I enjoy going back home the same way that I left the house. I like to make sure that each and every one of my guys does the same; I want them to go home to their families every single night.
What are some of your off-the-job safety precautions?
I would say that some off-the-job safety precautions are to avoid driving distracted, staying away from drugs, and avoiding alcohol the night before work. Keep yourself rested so that while you are on-the-job, nothing happens due to lack of energy or sleep.
MEET FINALIST Barbara Ries
About Barbara.
I’m a Colorado native and grew up on a little farm in Brighton, CO. I love to hunt, fish, camp, ride, rope, boat, and anything else to do with the outdoors. I have raised three kids, a son and two daughters. I have spent all of my time raising animals, showing, rodeoing, playing competitive volleyball, and running the farm.
How long have you been with Select? 6 ½ years
Describe a day in your job?
I come into the plant early and work with my teammates, starting the day off with tailgate discussions of how the operation will proceed for the day. I check that safety is priority by asking what steps need to be taken to keep us focused on safety.
I take input from the operators to make adjustments to our plant process if necessary, view the entire plant, discuss projected water volumes for the day, oil sales, address maintenance concerns, write reports, respond to COGCC and county recommendations and requirements, set meeting times with potential customers to increase daily revenue volumes, meet with existing customers to continue building relationships, and meet with neighbors to determine best practices for working together. Most of all, I ensure that employees have what they need to be successful for our customers—each and every day.
Are there any safety guidelines/strategies that you have helped establish? If so, which?
Yes, the pad off-loading processes. These processes are to check that customers’ truck breaks are set and turned off prior to approaching the truck to unload, never approach or come in contact with a truck while the truck is still running, and to confirm that grounding cables are at the facility sight as well as on the truck. This is done to enhance safety and avoid having a truck roll back and possibly strike the employee while they are hooking up to unload.
As an additional safety protocol, I have established the use of grounded hoses for offloading. This eliminates static discharge. I’ve conducted a fire extinguisher demonstration safety class, with the assistance of Sentry fire representatives, so that employees had hands-on training with fire extinguishers. To keep aware of wind conditions for any safety hazard that may exist, from heating oil to opening vent hatches, I installed wind socks on location. I’ve also instituted best practices for winter operation use to make sure that pipe, lines, circulation, pumps and equipment are winterized and reduce potential for freezing
What is a safety issue that O&G workers face in the industry?
Oil and gas workers, as well as many in labor intense work environments, battle with complacency. When a job becomes repetitious, workers tend to become distracted more often and take their minds away for the task at hand. Accidents can happen quite quickly.
In your opinion, why is safety a core value at Select?
It represents the core value of the most important part of Select—the employees themselves. When a company believes that their employees are the biggest asset that they have, safety will dominate the company.
What is the best safety advice that you have received from a veteran?
Be a true leader and lead by example. Be conscious of safety, whether you are the laborer or the CEO—make safety recognizable.
Any closing statements?
Be the leader in safety and in life that you want others to follow. Actions will always speak louder than any word ever spoken. Be a mentor and pass along your knowledge.
I also want to mention a very important statistic about the Lone Star water disposal. We have had 2452 days without a recordable or lost time injury. This is remarkable. It is over 6 1/2 years of safety in the workplace.
MEET FINALIST LUIS OLIVAS
Tell us about yourself?
My name is Luis Olivas and I’m from El Paso, TX. I’ve been married to Lace Olivas for almost seven years this coming April. We have three beautiful children named Alexander, Adan, and Ariel. We also have two European Doberman Pinchers. All keep me and my wife busy.
How long have you been with Select?
I’ve been part of the Select family for four years.
Describe a day in your job?
A usual morning starts with phone calls as early as 3:45 am. After conducting morning check-ins, I check my morning frac and I transfer reports that I have been assigned. Next, I send reports to customers. I then drive off to the field and attend the frac safety meeting, followed by our tailgate meeting to disgust any issues or incidents that might have happen throughout the 14-hour shift.
As a team, we review the JSA. We make sure that we include everything that was mention in the meeting, and we make appropriate revisions as needed. Once we have completed the JSA, I usually meet with the water coordinator to debrief on the upcoming work and discuss any possible issues that may arise. I also address any concerns that he might have.
What is a safety issue that O&G workers face in the industry?
I believe that the one safety issue that O&G workers face in the industry is definitely driving. You might be the most precautions driver out there when you get behind the wheel and head to your destination, whether it’s to the yard or a location.
However, in this industry I’ve grown to learn and have seen many times that you should really worry about other people on the road. Far too many times have I seen 18 wheelers and other cars and trucks speeding with cellphones in their hands. It’s terrifying. So, I’ve pushed just as Select does, to have no cellphone in hand until you arrive to your destination.
What are some of your off-the-job safety precautions?
Making sure that I am alert of my environment and to expect the unexpected. I also incorporate some of the safety practices that I use at work, in my own home. Having three kids back home, I need to be one step ahead of them. I need to evaluate every single move they make. I sometimes compare watching my kids to a frac job: at any given point, anything could go wrong and I need to be ready.
What are your safety values?
My safety values are in having a healthy work place that employees see and value, one which they are proud to come work at every day. I value showing employees that we care for their well-being by pushing them to strive for safety.
What does safety leadership mean to you?
It means that I need to model and display safety to the employees that I interact with while also incorporating safety to my style as a supervisor. If employees can value my safety leadership by achieving a safe environment and having others follow, then we all achieved the biggest goal— being safe and showing others how much we care for one another.
Any closing statements?
At first, I was hesitant about working in the O&G industry because of the dangers that come with the job. In my rookie year, I saw first-hand the dangers of the industry. As Select started growing, not only as a company but as a family, I took notice that Select Energy Services does truly cares for our safety and well-being.
It is also one of the core values of the company. That is what makes working at Select different: the feeling of being part of a family and not just a company. With that being said, thank you Select Energy Services for giving me the opportunity to work and be part of this great family of amazing co-workers.
MEET FINALIST DODY HOWARD
About Dody.
My name is Dody Howard and I’m 52 years old. I have been married to my wife, Anita, for 34 years. We have a son and a daughter. Our daughter has three daughters of her own.
How long have you been with Select?
I have been with Select for over four years.
What attracted you to the O&G industry? How did you get started in the O&G industry?
I got started in the O&G industry when a friend of my son came over to the house. We were talking about me being retired from a job where I was doing the same old thing every day. He told me that I needed to try working in the oilfield.
He told me that he worked for Select Energy Services and that they were looking for drivers. So, I applied and got the job. Four and a half years later, I still enjoy going to work, seeing and doing new things.
Describe a day in your job.
A day for me starts with me showing up an hour early and talking to the night drivers. I check to see how the night went and if there were any new jobs that had started. I also check to see which tools I will be needing to get my job done safely and efficiently.
What skills do you use most in your role and how do you implement safety to enhance the job?
There are two things that I do to enhance the job/task assigned. One would be my pre-trip inspection of the truck. I make sure that the truck and equipment are in good working condition. The second would be my job site inspection. When entering the job site, I look at the load pipes and load valves to make sure that they are in good order.
What is the best safety advice that you have received from a veteran?
The best safety advice that I got from my trainer was to get into a safety routine and to stay with it. This has been the best advice that I’ve received.
After having experienced working in the industry, what safety advice would you add to that which was given to you by a veteran?
If you feel that you have broken your safety routine, stop and restart the routine over. Also, make sure to double check yourself. It works for me and it will work for you.
What does safety leadership mean to you?
Safety leadership means that I am willing to help others with their job/tasks and offer advice that might help them complete the job safely.
MEET FINALIST GUSTAVO GOMEZ
About Gustavo.
I’m Gustavo Gomez. I’m 40 years old and I’m a father to five children.
How long have you been with Select?
I have been with Select for eight years.
What skills do you use most in your role and how do you implement safety to enhance the job?
One of my skills is observation and I try to share it with my coworkers and supervisors.
Are there any safety guidelines/strategies that you have helped establish? If so, which?
Every Friday, I send a text message to my coworkers telling them, “It’s Friday, check tires and tighten wheel nuts.” This has become a habit between my me and coworkers. If it’s a Friday and I have not sent the text by 8:00 am, I’m quickly reminded by a coworker.
What is a safety issue that O&G workers face in the industry? What precautions have you and your team taken to prevent accidents?
Driving long distances and not having enough rest will accumulate fatigue. This can increase the possibility of a person causing an accident. A person should take preventative measures to avoid an accident, including taking advantage of getting enough sleep or rest while being out of work.
What motivates you to keep safety as a priority?
My priority is for my coworkers and myself to return home safely after finishing our work.
What is your on-the-job safety routine?
I observe, analyze, and put safety into practice.
What are your safety values? How do you instill your safety values into your team/coworkers?
Punctuality, availability, and always working safely. It’s what I inculcate to my coworkers by using myself as an example.
MEET FINALIST Randall ellis
About Randall.
My name is Randall Ellis. I’m the operations manager for our Monahans water transfer location. I believe that I am a member of the very best water transfer team in the Industry. I work hard, play harder, and value my time spent with my family and friends. I am an active church member. I love the outdoors, and I’m an avid sportsman as time permits.
How long have you been with Select?
I joined Select from the Resource water transfer acquisition in Sept. 2017.
Describe a day in your job?
Every day is different, busy, challenging, and still very rewarding. I am a hands-on person and will do whatever it takes to get our daily goals met.
What skills do you use most in your role and how do you implement safety to enhance the job?
Communication and planning. Safety is the primary focused of both.
What is your on-the-job safety routine?
I try to center every action and decision on being safety driven and efficient. It all starts with a clearly communicated plan.
After having experienced working in the industry, what safety advice would you add to that which was given to you by a veteran?
It is everyone’s responsibility to ensure that they, and their team members, are constantly executing tasks in the safest manner possible.
How do you measure safety?
It’s an ALL or NOTHING metric. We either all succeed or fail at being safety minded.
Anything you’d like to add?
It’s an honor to be a part of such a safety minded group of coworkers and even a bigger honor to be a part of the best our industry has to offer! There are no excuses to not be safe in every aspect of our day. We owe it to our teammates and to the families that we work to support. We are bigger assets to our families when we are healthy, injury free, and safe.
MEET FINALIST BLAKE PEACOCK
Tell us about yourself?
My name is Blake Peacock. I’m a well testing assistant manager in South Texas. I started off as an operator in the field and then worked my way up through the chains. I spent a lot of my time with the company as a field supervisor before becoming an assistant manager. I oversee the day-to-day duties of the shop and fleet for the Pleasanton location.
How long have you been with Select?
5 ½ years.
Describe a day in your job?
Ensuring that all employees are checking their vehicles and equipment before driving off. I also ensuring they are driving safely and legally.
What is a safety issue that O&G workers face in the industry? What precautions have you and your team taken to prevent accidents?
There are too many safety concerns that employees face on a daily basis to list them all. One of the best methods that I have found is to face each day looking for what the new threat could be to someone. Most days are not the same. There is always a new risk to assess and to make others around you aware of.
What is the best safety advice that you have received from a veteran?
Watch where you put your limbs!
How do you measure safety?
In seconds, it only takes seconds for something to go terribly wrong. You always have to be looking out and prepared.
What does safety leadership mean to you?
Being a true safety leader means always doing the right thing no matter who is looking. Do things safely and properly because it’s the right thing to do, not because of an award or recognition.
Any closing statements?
Shake it off. If something is distracting you during work, you need to shake it off and focus on the task.
MEET FINALIST GUstavo Almaguer
Tell us about yourself?
My name is Gustavo Almaguer Jr. and I’m from Quemado, TX. My free time consists of watching football, barbecuing, and tending to my ranch.
How long have you been with Select?
I have been with Select for six years.
What attracted you to the O&G industry? How did you get started in the O&G industry?
The oil and gas industry offers great opportunities for career advancements. I started with Rockwater Energy Solutions. I was there for a year in the water transfer department, then I transferred to Select Energy Services.
Describe a day in your job?
One of the most overwhelming, yet exciting, days that I have experienced was when we rigged up an eight-mile job in 30 hours.
What is a safety issue that O&G workers face in the industry? What precautions have you and your team taken to prevent accidents?
The biggest safety issue that we come across on a daily basis is driving. We always stay in close contact with one another to ensure the safe arrival of our team.
What skills do you use most in your role and how do you implement safety to enhance the job?
As a foreman, I have come to realize that being tactical and punctual provides the best results for the job given to me.
In your opinion, why is safety a core value at Select?
Select is a family-oriented company. Being able to send everybody back to their families is ideal.
Any closing statements?
I appreciate Select for giving me a job opportunity and for allowing me to gain knowledge in the water transfer business.
MEET FINALIST Jerry Durden
Tell us about yourself?
My name is Jerry Durden and I’m from Texas. I have three children and one on the way. I enjoy time with my family, it’s what I look forward to most.
How long have you been with Select?
In July, it will be seven years.
What attracted you to the O&G industry? How did you get started in the O&G industry?
I was attracted to the oil and gas industry because of the opportunities to further myself and my career. After asking acquaintances about oil and gas, I learned of opportunities at Select and decided to apply.
Describe a day in your job?
No day is the same. I go over scheduling, get jobs set up, and figure out rates. I see what we need to do to keep a frac going and keep the customer happy, in the safetest and most efficient way possible. I work and communicate with my team to help us grow as a company.
What skills do you use most in your role and how do you implement safety to enhance the job?
It starts as soon as I walk out of my door every morning and do my check 6. I use my journey management skills to get me to the jobsites safely. I look to run a job in the safest way, using both the advice from my team in the field and my own knowledge of the job.
Are there any safety guidelines/strategies that you have helped establish? If so, which?
Pigging procedures, winter operations, and implementing Iobserve participation.
What is a safety issue that O&G workers face in the industry? What precautions have you and your team taken to prevent accidents?
Pressure and the dangers of pigging with blockages. We implemented whip checks, a process on how to pig properly and an extensive communication process.
In your opinion, why is safety a core value at Select?
When we keep people safe, we build a triple effect. It gives us the opportunity to work with the best of the best, bring the best of the best to our team, and perform to our very best. We build a reputation of a safety minded service provider.
MEET FINALIST brian mitchell
Tell us about yourself?
I like to go fishing and hunting. I love spending time with the family and I enjoy cooking. I do a lot of cooking.
How long have you been with Select?
I’ve been with Select since January 1, 2018, but I’ve been with the same team since 2013. I’ve been a part of both mergers. I started working for Crescent in 2013 as a CDL driver. After about two or three months, I became a foreman in the Eagle Ford Shale. After about six months, I became a foreman field supervisor.
I later transferred to Midland, TX. I’ve been working on the same account since 2017. Once Crescent merged with Rockwater, I became a supervisor. After the merger with Select, I became an assistant manager. Now, I oversee all of the rig ups and rig downs out here.
Describe a day in your job?
A day in my job is very challenging. Being in the position that I’m in, I deal with about 55 different people with different personalities. I’m constantly learning and teaching at the same time.
What is a safety issue that O&G workers face in the industry? What precautions have you and your team taken to prevent accidents?
Basically, making sure that we have the correct safety equipment that we need. My biggest thing is the hands and ankles, especially with all of the rain and washouts. Making sure that everyone is watching their foot and hand placements is a way we prevent accidents.
What is the best safety advice that you have received from a veteran?
Look to see where your wind path is before heading to your location. That was one of the main things, knowing your wind direction and your wind socks, in case of an HTS.
How would you compare your first day at Select to today?
From a year ago to today, I like where I’m at. There are a lot of opportunities at Select
What motivates you to keep safety as a priority?
What motivates me is interacting with people and seeing people change on the safety side, as far as being in compliance and making sure that they are fit for duty. That’s what inspires me. It makes me feel good as a person to know that I encouraged someone to do the right thing.
Any closing statements?
Be safe at all times and enjoy work.
MEET FINALIST Thomas Taylor
Tell us about yourself?
I worked for ten years in the US Army Military Police, I did combat tours, and served as PSO for the secretary of defense representative (Europe/NATO). I have worked in well testing for nine years.
How long have you been with Select?
I’ve been with Rockwater/Select for one year.
What attracted you to the O&G industry? How did you get started in the O&G industry?
I was intrigued by the process of oil & gas extraction.
What skills do you use most in your role and how do you implement safety to enhance the job?
Clear communication. I make sure that everyone is aware of the situation before stepping into it.
Are there any safety guidelines/strategies that you have helped establish? If so, which?
The Up and Downstream Iron Program.
What is a safety issue that O&G workers face in the industry? What precautions have you and your team taken to prevent accidents?
Driving the roadways! At any time that an employee feels that they cannot continue, we will stop them in place and provide sleeping quarters.
What is the best safety advice that you have received from a veteran?
Plan ahead! Being early is on time, being on time is late, and late is unacceptable. This helps plan for your day, so there’s no need to be in a rush. The rest falls into place.
What are your safety values? How do you instill your safety values into your team/coworkers?
I instill safety values by utilizing the stop work authority, keeping the work area clean, and eliminating potential hazards before they become one. Keep a constant reminder that a life may be at risk when corners are cut, due to the nature of the oil & gas industry.
MEET FINALIST jason lowrimore
Tell us about yourself?
I have been in the oilfield for nine years now. I started with Signal Completion Services in Pennsylvania, then came back to Texas and worked for Oilfield Equipment Rental. Five years ago, I got the job with Rockwater, which merged with Select. I have been here ever since.
How long have you been with Select?
5 years.
Describe a day in your job?
I walk the yard and check on equipment. I clean, repair, and function test all separators, flares, and sand traps.
What skills do you use most in your role and how do you implement safety to enhance the job?
With doing hands-on mechanical work, I always have to be aware of my surroundings and constantly look at equipment for fail points.
Are there any safety guidelines/strategies that you have helped establish? If so, which?
The standard operating procedures (SOP) for separators that come in off a job. It’s a check list for repairs and maintenance to make sure the equipment is functioning fully and properly tested.
What is a safety issue that O&G workers face in the industry? What precautions have you and your team taken to prevent accidents?
Having faulty equipment before it gets to location is a safety issue that O&Q workers face. I have outlined guidelines to follow each time that I work on equipment, before it leaves the yard.
What is the best safety advice that you have received from a veteran?
Always be prepared for any situation. Have extra clothes, food, water when you leave your house.
What motivates you to keep safety as a priority?
My family.
MEET FINALIST Ryan Stedge
Tell us about yourself?
I’m originally from New York and have lived in a few states including Texas, Utah, Virginia and now Ohio. I’m Married to a wonderful woman named Christina and I wouldn’t trade my family for anything.
How long have you been with Select?
I’ve been with Select for two and a half years. I’m currently in the position of roaming supervisor.
What skills do you use most in your role and how do you implement safety to enhance the job?
The skill that I use most often is communication. We always stress to everyone how important communication is with everything that we do. This includes communicating with our trainees, operators, management, and customers. Making communication a priority from top to bottom has been one of the ways that our yard has been successful. I also use problem solving skills quite often, which allows me to come up with solutions that will keep everyone safe while still getting the job done.
What is a safety issue that O&G workers face in the industry? What precautions have you and your team taken to prevent accidents?
One of the major issues that employees in our industry face is pressure. All of our employees are made aware of the potential for injury associated with pressure. Whenever we have a person new to Select, we walk them around their location or job site and explain to them which areas are authorized to them and which areas pose the most potential for harm.
What is the best safety advice that you have received from a veteran?
The best safety advice that I have ever received from a veteran was to respect our equipment. There is a huge potential for harm with equipment, due to pressure and even more harm during winter operations.
Follow up to question eleven. After having experienced working in the industry, what safety advice would you add to that which was given to you by a veteran?
After having experience in the industry, I would tell someone to respect our equipment but not to be afraid of it. We teach our operators to run pumps with their gauges and not just their RPMs. We periodically quiz them on their gauge readings and rate. We expect them to know everything about their work site. Everyone has to understand the potential for harm in order to prevent complacency. At the same time, we all need to know everything that there is to know about where we’re working, so that we aren’t afraid or uneasy about what we’re doing.
How do you measure safety?
The easiest way to measure safety is by talking to our employees. Each yard has different hazards that they have to deal with, but how our employees handle those hazards are what makes them work safely. We always coach whenever possible, so that everyone is aware of the hazards associated with their job tasks. We also teach them the best ways to mitigate those hazards.
Any closing statements?
Throughout our yard, we have all moved towards making safety a priority. Everyone has done a great job recognizing hazards and getting issues addressed so that they can work safely.
MEET FINALIST william litman
Tell us about yourself?
My name is Ren Litman. I’m an assistant manager for the well testing group in the Northeast Region. I have been with the company since January 2011. I started in Pennsylvania, then I transferred to STX in 2012. In STX, I worked for the flowback and well testing team as their operations manager. This past fall, I transferred back to the Northeast.
How long have you been with Select?
I started with Rockwater in January 2011.
What is a safety issue that O&G workers face in the industry? What precautions have you and your team taken to prevent accidents?
Complacency is an issue in the industry. Our safety precautions are rotating employees to perform different tasks and always challenging employees to find safer, more efficient ways to work.
In your opinion, why is safety a core value at Select?
In the oilfield, we sometimes see coworkers more than our family members. With that being said, most of us see each other as an extended family.
What is the best safety advice that you have received from a veteran?
Lead by example.
Follow up to question eleven. After having experienced working in the industry, what safety advice would you add to that which was given to you by a veteran?
Treat others as equals. We’re a team. I can’t do my job without others doing theirs and vice versa. If we expect others to perform work in a safe manner, then we need to do the same.
What is your on-the-job safety routine?
Holding myself to the same standards as we expect from everyone else. Finding the JSA and going over the job hazards, regardless of my experience in the same situation.
What are some of your off-the-job safety precautions?
Taking the same precautions that we use in the work field and applying them to day to day activities (e.g. proper PPE for the task at hand).
MEET FINALIST ignacio urueta
Tell us about yourself?
My name is Ignacio Urueta. I have a new born, and I like watching football.
How long have you been with Select?
I have been with Select for seven years.
Describe a day in your job?
Leading our frac crew.
What skills do you use most in your role and how do you implement safety to enhance the job?
Responsibility and leadership.
In your opinion, why is safety a core value at Select?
So that you can get home to your family.
What is the best safety advice that you have received from a veteran?
Make sure that you always look out for yourself and others. Always keep your eye on the task at hand.
Follow up to question eleven. After having experienced working in the industry, what safety advice would you add to that which was given to you by a veteran?
Never become complacent.
What motivates you to keep safety as a priority?
Being able to see my family when I get home.
MEET FINALIST sawyer langston
Tell us about yourself?
I’m originally from Gainesville, Texas. Since being with Select, I’ve worked in just about every region and have helped start or grow several of our yards. I’ve lived in Williston, ND, for four years. When I have time, I enjoy waterfowl and pheasant hunting.
How long have you been with Select?
I started with Select, at the time called Impact, in 2007
What attracted you to the O&G industry? How did you get started in the O&G industry?
I’m not sure what attracted me, but I know what has kept me around. For 11 years, I’ve been able to challenge myself, grow, and learn new skills every day. I’m in a position now where I can share my knowledge and mentor others. Helping others grow is the favorite part of my job.
Describe a day in your job?
If it’s warmer than -10 degrees, the majority of my focus goes to the layout and rig up side. Once the daily plan is safely underway, I start more planning. I work closely with our WSO team on upcoming projects. When a route is secured, I calculate where booster pumps are needed to keep line pressures in a safe range and develop a pigging plan if the job calls for one. When I’m caught up on new jobs, I’ll get with the shop on equipment service and inspections needs.
What skills do you use most in your role and how do you implement safety to enhance the job?
Planning – Around 7pm every night, my team and I work together to plan for the following day, taking weather, road conditions and fatigue into consideration. With the plan already made, we eliminate unneeded driving and allow ourselves to pay closer attention to the “little things.” We make small adjustments to the plan as needed.
I’ve worked besides, and have spent time, with all of my teammates. I know their strengths and weaknesses. I can tell if they are fatigued, if their head isn’t in the right place, or if morale is down. All of these things can and will lead to an incident. When a job needs to be completed, I know which crew to send and I rotate their tasks to lessen complacency.
Are there any safety guidelines/strategies that you have helped establish? If so, which?
Winter pigging SOP and winter water sending SOP.
What is the best safety advice that you have received from a veteran?
The best safety advice that I’ve received came from my brother Josh Langston. He’s had quite a bit of safety advice over the years but the one that comes to mind is when he told me to, “ask questions.” It’s a simple concept, but we rarely do it. If you don’t fully understand what you’re doing, why you’re doing it or how to do it, you’re likely to get yourself or someone else hurt. If you’re a new employee or find yourself in a new role, ask questions.
What does safety leadership mean to you?
Safety leadership means identifying hazards and communicating those to others, using stop work authority, encouraging others to use stop work authority, listening to other’s safety concerns, and finding a solution. A true safety leader chooses safety when it isn’t the easiest route.
MEET FINALIST manuel fuentes
Tell us about yourself?
My name is Manuel Fuentes. I was born in Mexico. I’m married with three children and four grand kids.
How long have you been with Select?
I’ve been with Select for 15 years.
What is the best safety advice that you have received from a veteran?
Always inspect surroundings.
How would you compare your first day at Select to today?
It’s better because I’m experienced now.
What motivates you to keep safety as a priority?
What motivates me to keep safety as a priority is my life, my coworkers’ lives, and my family.
What is your on-the-job safety routine?
Inspect all areas and make sure that everyone is on the same page.
What are some of your off-the-job safety precautions?
Don’t drink and drive.
What are your safety values? How do you instill your safety values into your team/coworkers?
Patience.
What does safety leadership mean to you?
I like to be an example and show my coworkers that it is possible to work in this industry for 15 years without accidents.
MEET FINALIST Zachary Bell
Tell us about yourself?
My name is Zach Bell and I’m 23. I have work in the oilfield industry for about six years. I have lived in Dover, OK, all of my life. I’m a big time Thunder fan and all-around sports fan.
How long have you been with Select?
About two years.
What attracted you to the O&G industry? How did you get started in the O&G industry?
Most of my family has worked in the oilfield and I just followed them into it. I started right after I graduated.
Describe a day in your job?
I go to the office to find out what I need to deliver. Once I have that information, I start delivering to the furthest location from the yard and work my way back towards the yard.
What is a safety issue that O&G workers face in the industry? What precautions have you and your team taken to prevent accidents?
Oilfield workers face safety issues with driving. Safety precautions that I have taken have been pre and post trip inspections and DVIR’s.
What motivates you to keep safety as a priority?
Going home to my family.
What is your on-the-job safety routine?
I make sure that I have all of my PPE on. I check for any leaks on my truck, I do not mix any chemicals, and I double check everything.
What does safety leadership mean to you?
Safety leadership means that you should, at all times, be ready for anything to happen whether on-the-job or off.