Select Announces 2019 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 2019, Select Energy Services recognized 2,093 of its employees through the safety recognition program. Through the success of the program and commitment from the employees, 30 of those employees achieved all five levels.
This year our grand prize is a brand-new Dodge 1500 pickup truck. Our second-place prize is $7,500 and our third-place prize is $5,000. Finalists who place fourth through sixth will receive a TV, seventh through tenth will receive Apple AirPods, and eleventh through thirtieth will receive $100 VISA gift cards.
Each finalist will be entered for a chance to win a prize drawn in ascending order—starting from thirtieth-place. All participants will be awarded with customized boots and a plaque.
Before we stream our giveaway on January 15, 2020, at 10am 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 Cody Gibson
Tell us about yourself?
I have been in the O&G industry since 2005. I began mixing chemicals for fracs. I have been in water transfer since the summer of 2007. I have a daughter that just turned 11 and she’s my pride and joy. My wife and I have just celebrated our 10-year anniversary in November 2019. As a family, we enjoy the outdoors, hunting, and fishing.
How long have you been with Select?
For nearly three years total.
What attracted you to the O&G industry? How did you get started in the O&G industry?
My father was in the O&G industry throughout my childhood until he retired as a Drilling Consultant with Goines and Associates. Once I graduated high school I enrolled in college at EOSC while working for BJ Services. Attending school and working in the O&G industry was challenging, but I received more gratification working in the field than I had in the classroom. Eventually, I decided to put my education on hold as I entered the workforce full-time.
What has been your greatest accomplishment thus far with the company? What are you most proud of?
I’ve been able to grow within a company that allows me to further my career. I’m most proud of being part of a strong team that consistently pushes me to grow, learn, and continue to develop stronger skills and safety leadership.
Any safety tips for rookies coming into the industry?
The ultimate goal of each day is to return home safely. Constantly practice safe working procedures, communicate, and be aware of your actions, decisions, and surroundings. Being alert and aware of your surroundings will minimize any potential incidents.
Slow down and look around! Be prepared. Prepare yourself mentally to stay alert and aware of the immediate task. I believe it is crucial to take the time to understand your tasks and all possible hazards associated with such tasks. By doing so, the operation will become more efficient and effective.
Prepare yourself physically for the task you are assigned. Prepare yourself emotionally for the reality of the hazards you face every day.
Practice building relationships. People build relationships differently. If we could each learn how to build stronger relationships with the people that we work with, I believe, it could impact more than safety but also job performance.
What does safety leadership mean to you?
By being a leader, it must be by example. If I am not compliant with our customers and Select’s safety policies, I cannot expect my team to adhere to my expectations.
Any closing statements?
Gratitude is something that is often left unspoken. I am grateful for many things and people in my life. I am grateful that I have a healthy loving family. I am grateful for the team that I work with and the company that I work for. I am thankful that the opportunity given to me challenges my capabilities, ensuring I become stronger in the field and at home.
Meet Finalist Derek Brewer
Tell us about yourself?
I was born and raised in Oklahoma City, OK. I currently live in Edmond, OK, now with my wife and three-year-old daughter. I have worked in the oilfield for nine years now and enjoy what I do. My time off is spent watching football “Boomer Sooner” and hanging out with friends.
How long have you been with Select?
I have been with Rockwater for one year.
What is your safety philosophy?
I have a strong safety background coming from several companies that I have worked for in the past. Safety is a major priority and should be looked at before everything else. The number one goal is for everyone to go back home just how they arrived. I really appreciate the safety training and safety conscience that Rockwater lives by.
When it comes to working in the industry, what is your number one safety MUST?
Driving is the number one danger we do every day. There is absolutely NO TEXTING AND DRIVING. I don’t know how many people I see doing this every day and it irritates me beyond anything.
Any safety tips for rookies coming into the industry?
This is a great topic that I have thought about for a while now. I would tell someone new to the industry to ask as many questions as you can. You should take the time to look around and learn as much as you can about the entire location, do not limit yourself to strictly one thing.
What attracted you to the O&G industry? How did you get started in the O&G industry?
I got in the industry on the completion side in frac. I had several buddies working in O&G and wanted to join them.
What does safety leadership mean to you?
Safety leadership is a key factor to everyone participating in and following safety protocols. If you follow the safety rules and involve everyone else in your activities, regardless of their rank or title, the outcome of safety compliance will be more far greater. The more that you do and say about safety, everyone else around you will follow.
Meet Finalist Jeremy McAbee
Tell us about yourself?
My name is Jeremy Sean McAbee. I’m 40 years old. I’m married and have three kids, a 13-year-old and 15-year-old boy and a 19-year-old girl. On my spare time away from work, I serve as a leader in our church. I head their safety, ushers, youth leader, campus adviser, and I also drive the church van on weekends.
How long have you been with Select?
I have been with Select Energy Services for two years and one month.
When it comes to working in the industry, what is your number one safety MUST?
I believe that all drivers should understand the safety of their vehicles. From understanding the pre-trip and post-trip, to knowing what to look for when doing a walk around. Understanding what could go wrong with their equipment is important, especially before jumping into it and taking off down the road.
What attracted you to the O&G industry? How did you get started in the O&G industry?
Getting to see the different places as I travel. Watching my grandpa as a tool pusher on a rig growing up, is what got me interested in the O&G. The different things that go on at one time on a location was amazing to watch.
Describe a day in your job?
A day at my job is very fun and interesting. I guess you could use the phrase Jack-of-all-trades. I have learned so many different things along the way. I never know what will be assigned to me each day. The coworkers that I have are all fun to get along with.
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 main issues that I have seen a lot is staying awake, especially when driving. Driving is one of the most dangerous things we do. If you get tired or feel tired, stop and take a power nap, or a break. Never drive tired.
What motivates you to keep safety as a priority?
Not seeing accidents while at work and being able to continue seeing the same coworkers every day—not missing one because of a bad accident.
Meet Finalist Robert Tomac
Tell us about yourself?
My name is Robert Tomac. I’m 31 years old, married, and have four hunting dogs. My wife’s name is Alisha. Outside of work I enjoy upland bird hunting.
How long have you been with Select?
I have been with Select for almost six years.
What has been your greatest accomplishment thus far with the company? What are you most proud of?
My biggest accomplishment is starting as a green hat out of the military and growing as an employee all the way to the management team that I’m part of today. I have learned a large amount in a short time and the culture around me has always pushed me to do so.
When it comes to working in the industry, what is your number one safety MUST?
My safety must, is giving yourself enough time to be early to work. You can avoid 90% of incidents and injuries if you’re not in a rush.
Any safety tips for rookies coming into the industry?
Some advice to new employees coming into the industry is to be on time, listen to the more veteran guys, and use common sense with safety. If it doesn’t look, sound, or sometimes even smell right—someone should be asking a question or stopping work being done.
What attracted you to the O&G industry? How did you get started in the O&G industry?
I had a lot of close friends that attracted me to the industry. I started at the bottom, not knowing anything about it. That’s what makes my job awesome, there are always new things to learn and teach others.
What is a safety issue that O&G workers face in the industry? What precautions have you and your team taken to prevent accidents?
A safety issue our industry faces today is still the heavy presence of personnel in red zones on well testing sites. We are working closely with the automations team to make more of the everyday tasks less manned and still have the need for employees to continue to work.
Meet Finalist David Mullins
Tell us about yourself?
I’ve been in the oilfield for 20+ years. My wife and I have been married for almost 19 years. We have two children. Carson is 13 years old and Cara is 11. I’ve been on the Dover volunteer department for 22 years. I spend my off-time hunting, fishing, and with my family.
How long have you been with Select?
I’ve been with Rockwater for 14 years.
When it comes to working in the industry, what is your number one safety MUST?
My number one safety must is wearing my seatbelt. It saved me from being hurt worse than I was, when I got into a wreck. Also, being a first responder, I’ve seen many people needlessly die from not wearing them.
What attracted you to the O&G industry? How did you get started in the O&G industry?
My whole family worked in the oil & gas industry. Some of my uncles had their own companies and hired me to work for them after school, and then full time afterwards. I was able to learn a lot from them.
Describe a day in your job?
I start off my morning with a DVIR. Then I call the salesmen to see if anything was called in overnight. After that, I start a route checking H²S and inventory on chemical tanks. I also fix pumps if needed.
How would you compare your first day at Select to today?
I first started with Select/Rockwater as a yard hand/treating truck driver and now I’m a yard manager/service technician. I have much more knowledge on our chemicals and what they do.
What motivates you to keep safety as a priority?
My motivation for being safe at work is being able to do my job efficiently and making sure that I’m able to come home to my family at night.
Meet Finalist Mario DeLeon
Tell us about yourself?
My name is Mario DeLeon. I am 30 years old and have two children. I grew up in Mathis, TX. I enjoy hunting and fishing on my time off.
How long have you been with Select?
I have been with Select for a total of eight years.
What has been your greatest accomplishment thus far with the company? What are you most proud of?
My greatest accomplishment would be taking all personnel under my supervision while continuing to instill our safety culture and being able to grow as a team, in order to provide great service to our customers.
What is your safety philosophy?
My safety philosophy is if you cannot do the task safely, step back and reevaluate the situation to find a safe route. – adapt and overcome-
What is a safety issue that O&G workers face in the industry? What precautions have you and your team taken to prevent accidents?
Changes in different scenarios day in and day out is a safety issue that O&G workers face. For the most part it’s the same job, just in a different area. One thing that my team and I have done is identify the different hazards in the different areas and also identify any new hazards that present themselves as the day progresses—and adapt to them.
What is the best safety advice that you have received from a veteran?
The best safety advice that I have received from a veteran is to always report incidents as incidents. Whether it be a near miss, a close call or an unsafe act—they all create statistics which could save a life one day.
What are your safety values?
My safety values are accountability, responsibility, integrity, and personal courage. Taking accountability and responsibility for safety in all tasks. Integrity to do the right thing even when no one is looking and having the personal courage to speak up when I see something unsafe.
Meet Finalist Luis Echeverria-Hernandez
Tell us about yourself?
My name is Luis and I’m from Evanston, WY. I like to go hunting and fishing with my family, when I’m not working. I love spending time with my family and my dogs.
How long have you been with Select?
I’ve been with Select for about two years.
When it comes to working in the industry, what is your number one safety MUST?
Hazard communication is my number one safety must. Whether in the form of a JHA or a safety meeting, hazards and job steps must be identified.
What is your on-the-job safety routine?
My on-the-job safety routine is showing up to work and parking first move forward. Then I get the team together and fill out a JHA. Once all job steps are identified, we go over possible hazards. After our shift change/safety meeting, we start our individual jobs, making sure to keep good communication with each other and looking out for hazards. If the job changes, we make sure to update the JHA and have another safety meeting to talk about the job steps, hazards, or any other changes.
What safety precautions do you take in your everyday life, outside of work?
Some safety precautions that I take in my everyday life are wearing my seat belt every time that I drive and making my first move forward, in case of an emergency. I also wear proper PPE when I work on things around the house, like safety glasses and gloves.
What does safety leadership mean to you?
Safety leadership means that you have a job to look out for yourself and others. In unsafe situations, you have to take lead, speak up, and stop the job—along with mitigating any hazards to make sure that the work environment stays safe.
Any closing statements?
I want to thank my safety team and management for making this trip possible for me and for making safety an easy everyday job.
Meet Finalist Roy Balderaz
Tell us about yourself?
My name is RJ Balderaz. I’m 28 years old and I’m from Jourdanton, TX.
How long have you been with Select?
I have been with Select for one year and four months.
What has been your greatest accomplishment thus far with the company? What are you most proud of?
Receiving a Select Level 5 Safety Medallion is definitely the greatest thing I’ve accomplished thus far. I’m proud to be able to keep my driving scores high.
What attracted you to the O&G industry? How did you get started in the O&G industry?
I wanted to work with the technology available in the industry. My dad is the one who was able to give me my start.
Describe a day in your job?
The first thing that I do is check all of my automated sites to make sure that everything is up and working. If there are any sites that are needing servicing, I make my way there and address any problems. If all sites are up, then I’ll usually help out my dad with any of his sites or with his impoundment surveys.
Any closing statements?
I’m thankful for my dad who is always pushing me to do my best and to never take any half measures.
So, what has earned Roy this award?
“Roy Balderaz Junior has earned this award for his relentless dedication to safe driving. In an industry where operating a vehicle is the most dangerous thing we do, RJ has exhibited an admirable level of safe driving skills. In a truly impressive way, RJ is a beacon of safety within our group, and actively influences others to improve their own driving scores.”
– Justin Wheeler
Director of Operational Technology
Meet Finalist Leonel Moreno
Tell us about yourself?
My name is Leo Moreno and I’m 32 years old. On my days off, I like to BBQ and hang out with my family and friends. I like to hunt and fish. I’m a good worker and a big jokester. I like to spend as much time with my kids and girlfriend as possible.
How long have you been with Select?
I’ve been with Select for nine years.
What has been your greatest accomplishment thus far with the company? What are you most proud of?
Being promoted to foreman and reaching all five levels of safety medallions. I’m most proud of my foreman tittle and being dedicated to this company for all of these years.
If you could implement a safety strategy for all to follow, what would it be?
Stretch before starting the work day. If we were to stretch more to get the blood flowing and loosen up our muscles before we started picking up hoses, connections, etc., we could lessen the chance of a back strain or pulled muscles.
What attracted you to the O&G industry? How did you get started in the O&G industry?
Growing up, a majority of my family members were already working in the O&G industry. The stories that I would hear kind of attracted me to following them. Right after high school, I wanted to work to help my parents out, so I went straight into the O&G.
How would you compare your first day at Select to today?
I was employed with ASE before Select acquired them. The day that we transitioned to Select, I was pumping on a frac location. So, my first day was pretty good because I had been working with the same crew members for a few months already. Today it feels exciting because of all the knowledge on water transfer that I have gained and because of the promotions that I have received over the years. Now I’m the guy that’s giving advice and helping others out.
What are your safety values?
My safety values are working as a team, good communication, not being afraid to stop the job if necessary, and making sure that everyone returns home safe at the end of the day.
Meet Finalist tom royer
Tell us about yourself?
I have been married for 22 years with no kids. We do have two of the best looking blondes you have ever seen, Sage and Willow, our two golden Retrievers. I spend my time off either hunting or fishing with my best friend and wife, Tammy, back in Montana.
How long have you been with Select?
I have been with Select for three and a half years.
When it comes to working in the industry, what is your number one safety MUST?
It starts and ends with communication. Everyone must be on the same page. If you are in doubt or have questions about what the operation is, then ask. If there is any question about what or how to do a certain job, then the safety of the job is on jeopardy.
Describe a day in your job?
It usually starts with answering phone calls or text messages in the early morning, communicating to our employees about the needs of the job. If items are needed that are not on pad, I will stop by our yard and gather what is needed, then head to the pad. The phone is active lining out personnel and equipment to make sure our clients are taken care of. I make sure our employees have the tools and knowledge to get the job done safely. On many days, I will also see our night crews on location. This shift is equally important as the day. The day never really ends as there is much to do (e.g., new jobs being called in, making sure we are performing at a high level on current jobs, and making sure that our employees have the proper tools for the job).
What motivates you to keep safety as a priority?
My motivation starts with my wife and coworkers. I routinely say, “pay attention to your surroundings” or “focus on the task at hand.” I try to do these things every day, whether I am driving, on a work location, or at home in the outdoors. I have worked with many of the same employees for years. I have built friendships, met their families or have been told about them. Our employees care about their families the way that I do mine. I want them to be able to go home exactly the way that they came to work, so that they can enjoy what is important to them.
What safety precautions do you take in your everyday life, outside of work?
I believe that I am a much safer driver at home because of my focus at work. The Permian Basin is a dangerous place to drive, so you must be aware at all times. I have taken lessons learned driving, home with me. I even have my wife reverse park into places, so she’s facing forward when leaving an area! My wife and I actually like yard work. We wear long pants, boots, ear protection, and even a face shield where needed to mow our lawn, weed whack, and garden.
What does safety leadership mean to you?
Safety leadership to me means leading by example. It is also important to learn from others and your own experiences to help keep others from making the same mistakes, that I or others have made. This is why observations are so important for us to learn from situations. Passing on tried and true core safety values to family, friends, and coworkers builds a culture where safety is a part of your daily routine at work or at home.
Meet Finalist Josue Flores
Tell us about yourself?
I’m married and the father of two children. I’m a field supervisor, CDL driver, heavy equipment operator, welder, and a hard worker.
How long have you been with Select?
I have been with Select for seven and a half years.
What has been your greatest accomplishment thus far with the company? What are you most proud of?
I have learned to be a leader and safety mentor to the employees that work under my supervision.
Any safety tips for rookies coming into the industry?
My advice to anyone starting out in the industry would be to always wear PPE, always be aware of their surroundings, and to pay attention to others and learn from others with more experience.
How would you compare your first day at Select to today?
I have been given the opportunity to learn the proper way of doing things and have become one of the best.
What are your safety values?
To teach and keep everyone that is working with me safe, so that they go home like they came to work.
What else can be said about Josue?
“Josue Arturo Flores has learned a tremendous amount about the business and being a leader in our group. He is always available for whatever is needed and is always a good problem solver.”
– Amber Yeary
Operations Manager
Meet Finalist Luis Olivas
Tell us about yourself?
My name is Luis Olivas and I’m a father to three beautiful children. I’ve been married to Lace Olivas for eight years.
How long have you been with Select?
I’ve been with Select Energy Services for five years and five months.
When it comes to working in the industry, what is your number one safety MUST?
My safety must is to return everyone to their loved ones the same way that they came to work or better. You can’t go to the field and lay 20 miles of hose in three days and have an employee return home with significant injuries or worse, not returning at all. If we can’t do that, then we fail as a whole organization.
Any safety tips for rookies coming into the industry?
Ask questions!! Don’t be intimidated to ask questions. Not a single employee at Select will judge you. We encourage our team to ask as many questions as possible. If we run out of answers, we’ll ask management. I ask questions to this day. This job changes every day and there’s new things to learn every day.
How would you compare your first day at Select to today?
Select today has change so much in the field. Automation has taken a big role in the job scope now. Fewer employees on the field and more computer base equipment that requires you to be very attentive to the equipment to make sure we mitigate any possible error.
In your opinion, why is safety a core value at Select?
To hear new employees that come from another company and see how our safety structure is and for them to verbally say, “I’ve never been in a company that cares so much for our safety.” That to me means that we must be doing something right and that people do value their well-being when working in a safe environment.
What is the best safety advice that you have received from a veteran?
Don’t be afraid to use “STOP WORK.” If you see something wrong or unsafe, don’t hold back. Stop the job and make sure that what you are doing or being asked to do is safe, not only for you, but for everyone around you. Remember we all want to go home back to our love ones.
Meet Finalist Bradley robbins
Tell us about yourself?
I’m originally from Mansfield, PA. I have four kids: Madison 14, Megan 13, Makenna 11, and Matthew 10. I’ve been married to my wife, DeAnn, for 15 years. We have two boxer dogs, Jumbo and Princess.
How long have you been with Select?
I have been with Select since March of 2013.
What has been your greatest accomplishment thus far with the company? What are you most proud of?
I’m an account manager for a customer who has one of the strongest safety cultures in the industry. On a daily basis, I work closely with their safety team, and together we ensure that we are up to the standards on their safety culture. We also work proactively to eliminate hazards and modify policies and procedures, as the environment is ever changing.
When it comes to working in the industry, what is your number one safety MUST?
Making sure that all employees are properly trained for tasks and that they understand what is expected of them before the task starts,
Any safety tips for rookies coming into the industry?
Never be afraid to ask questions or speak up with an idea. Some of the best ideas come from someone with a fresh set of eyes. The newest person has the same “STOP WORK AUTHORITY” as the most senior person on the job. Remember that you are YOUR and YOUR BROTHER’S keeper. That means that you are always responsible, aware of your surroundings, and focused on the job at hand.
What motivates you to keep safety as a priority?
Throughout the years, I have seen many safety failures and successes. Witnessing the failures makes you much more alert and aware of the severity of minor incidents. I now understand the importance of “STOP WORK AUTHORITY.” Never hesitate to stop, assess, and reevaluate—before moving forward.
In your opinion, why is safety a core value at Select?
I feel that Select cares about their employees and wants to ensure that everyone goes home safe, every day. If safety isn’t a core value, then the company fails as a whole.
Meet Finalist Lucio aguirre
Tell us about yourself?
I was born in Monterrey, Nuevo Leon. I’m 41 years old and happily married with 3 children. My family is the engine that drives me to become better and safer each day.
How long have you been with Select?
I’ve been with Select for eight years and five months.
What has been your greatest accomplishment thus far with the company? What are you most proud of?
Everything that I have learned since starting at Select and trying to be better at my job every day.
Any safety tips for rookies coming into the industry?
Learn to do your job the safest and best that you can. Then use those skills to help others around be the safest and best that they can.
What motivates you to keep safety as a priority?
My life and my family, so that I can come home to them every day.
In your opinion, why is safety a core value at Select?
Employees lives and safety is most important.
What else can be said about Lucio?
“Lucio Aguirre has work hard everyday to become a better person and leader of his group. He is always a safety leader and is always ready for whatever comes his way.”
– Amber Yeary
Operations Manager
Meet Finalist Jonathan Koppes
Tell us about yourself?
My name is Jonathan Koppes and I’m a foreman out of Cambridge, OH. My wife and I have been married for four years now and don’t have any kids. Our time not at our careers is invested in our family and pets. I enjoy being outside either fishing, camping, or hiking.
How long have you been with Select?
I started with Select in Eighty-Four, PA, on September 10, 2012.
What is your Safety Philosophy?
You can’t replace a man, a finger, or a limb. You have to understand the importance of going home the same way that you came every day. You have to imbue yourself with a steadfast attitude of “we’re going to be victorious in every area of our lives every day”. Only then will you begin to fight for yourself and your teammates lives every second of every day.
Any safety tips for rookies coming into the industry?
You have to think before you act. You have to question everything until you understand the safest way to perform it. Drive that supervisor crazy with questions, you help keep them from being complacent in their roles as your safety leaders in the field.
How would you compare your first day at select to today?
Honestly, I didn’t have a clue about anything when I started and was about as green as they come. Now my day is about how I can help every teammate, of every experience level, be successful. How can I help you know what I know and grow.
What safety precautions do you take in your everyday life, outside of work?
From keeping walk ways and routes through our house and yard cleared of stuff to eliminating tripping problems. We have built action plans in place for fire, flood, and emergency egress – everyone knows that enters our home. I always back in park now, in all vehicles where ever possible, including the driveway and way more examples than I can list here.
What motivates you to keep safety as a priority?
If something happened to me, I wouldn’t be able to provide for my family or maintain the quality of life that we have. We have a great marriage, we have wonderful pets, and we have nice things. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I was injured and had to put my loved ones through that life-wrecking ball of an event. I have seen it happen to our friends, co-workers, and family. I will never go home thinking that I could have saved a life that day and didn’t act to prevent it. Understanding my own motivations helps me teach other people why they have to be safe at work and at home. You’re going home every day the same way you came all be it tired and dirty.
Meet Finalist Dallas goodrich
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Dallas Goodrich and I am a sports enthusiast. I love fishing, camping, and outdoor activities. I enjoy spending time with my friends from work, boating, and river rafting. I believe that an active lifestyle is an enriched lifestyle.
How long have you been with Select?
I have been with Select for over two years now. I was originally hired by Rockwater and was a part of the merger.
What has been your greatest accomplishment thus far with the company? What are you most proud of?
My greatest accomplishment has been having zero incidents. I believe in the health and safety of my crews. I want my personnel to come to work each day with an attitude of self-confidence and I believe in treating my superiors and crew members with respect and integrity. It is my fondest hope that I can keep a high morale for my crews as I know it will affect their productivity and our safety culture.
What is your safety philosophy?
We are all safety professionals. If we do not cultivate that mentality, then we are doomed to fail.
When it comes to working in the industry, what is your number one safety MUST?
Job safety analysis and utilizing it correctly. We cannot afford to miss anything in our day to day operations. It only takes a moment of indiscretion to cause an injury, cause property damage, or cause a spill. We simply cannot afford mistakes. Do it right the first time.
If you could implement a safety strategy for all to follow, what would it be?
If you see something, say something. Stop Work Authority is extremely important. We must not just talk about utilizing SWA, we have to have the courage to utilize this practice. I believe we need to hold employees accountable for not utilizing Stop Work Authority. It will help us to avoid errors and costly mistakes.
Any safety tips for rookies coming into the industry?
If you don’t know, ask. Don’t be ashamed or afraid to say you don’t know something. I would rather go over a task or job detail with someone as many times as it takes until they fully understand, than have them try to bluff their way through it. Being unsure of a situation is where we get ourselves into trouble.
Meet Finalist aron Prill
Tell us about yourself.
I’m originally from Metro Detroit, where my eighteen-year-old daughter, Mackenzy, is going to college. My wife Jade and I have been married for almost three years. We have a rambunctious two-year-old son named Robert. We have lived in Williston for the last five and a half years. When I’m not working, I enjoy watching sports and spending time with my family.
How long have you been with Select?
I have been with Select for five and a half years.
What has been your greatest accomplishment thus far with the company? What are you most proud of?
I’d have to say that my greatest accomplishment has been starting out completely new to the oilfield and working my way up to assistant manager. I am most proud of the fact that I get to be part of the amazing team that we have up here in the Bakken.
What is your safety philosophy?
Be your brother’s keeper, look out for everyone’s safety not just your own.
Any safety tips for rookies coming into the industry?
Keep your head on a swivel. Learn as much as you can from those around you. Don’t be afraid to speak up if something doesn’t look safe or if you see someone performing unsafe behaviors.
What safety precautions do you take in your everyday life, outside of work?
Being that I have a two-year-old, I’m constantly watching for potential dropped objects. Whether that be the TV or a picture that could fall when he’s running wildly around the house. Trip hazards are abundant in our household, so keeping eyes on your path is imperative. First pull forward is also something that I have carried with me from work to home.
What does safety leadership mean to you?
Safety leadership means that you constantly look out for potential hazards, not only those that could harm you but those that also hurt those around you. You train your coworkers on how to safely accomplish tasks and you give them the proper tools to do so. You actively take part in the safety program and you motivate the people around you to as well.
Meet Finalist Robert Hohertz
Tell us about yourself.
I’m happily married with three beautiful daughters. I enjoy work, but I enjoy spending more time with my family. I enjoy hunting and fishing.
How long have you been with Select?
I’ve been with Select since 2011.
What has been your greatest accomplishment thus far with the company? What are you most proud of?
My greatest accomplishment was being able to teach and help my superior with something that he did not know. It made me feel good to know that I was able to help him.
If you could implement a safety strategy for all to follow, what would it be?
Communication is a must for safety, so cell phone boosters should be installed in all trucks. A lot of areas don’t have much reception.
How would you compare your first day at Select to today?
My first day at Select was very intimidating. We had a lot going on and I didn’t know anything about doing flowback. I felt like I was a fifth wheel. Today, I’m very confident. You can put me out anywhere and I’ll get things done. Total opposite.
In your opinion, why is safety a core value at Select?
It should be a core value for every company. If your employees aren’t being safe or looking out for each other, then it’s just going to be a mess—a catastrophe.
What is the best safety advice that you have received from a veteran?
Always wear your protective wear. Always wear your PPE. They have given me examples of what has happened to people who didn’t wear their PPE.
Meet Finalist Pedro Marin
Tell us about yourself.
I’m a 39-year-old short guy. I have a wife and three kids. I enjoy sports and spending time with my family and friends.
How long have you been with Select?
I’ve been with Select for 6 months.
What is your safety philosophy?
Be smart and go home safe every day.
When it comes to working in the industry, what is your number one safety MUST?
Use common sense.
What attracted you to the O&G industry? How did you get started in the O&G industry?
Money. I started as a roustabout.
What does safety leadership mean to you?
If the people at the top don’t believe in safety, then those below them wont.
What motivates you to keep safety as a priority?
Family, and I enjoy being alive.
Meet Finalist Mario Flores
Tell us about yourself.
I am 43 years old and am happily married with two children.
How long have you been with Select?
I have been with Select for eight years.
What is your safety philosophy?
Safety first and always!
When it comes to working in the industry, what is your number one safety MUST?
Keep drivers in mind. Driving is the most dangerous thing that we do every day. Make sure that they are driving safely.
Any safety tips for rookies coming into the industry?
Always wear PPE and pay attention to surrounding and to others.
What safety precautions do you take in your everyday life, outside of work?
Always drive safely and not distracted.
What else can be said about Mario?
Mario Flores has been a fantastic leader and never questions what or when he is asked to perform. He is hard working, smart, and can figure things out when things change or go in a different direction than expected.
– Amber Yeary
Operations Manager
Meet Finalist Zachary Bell
Tell us about yourself.
I’m a service tech for the Rockwater Hennessey yard in Oklahoma. I have been employed here for three years and started out as a delivery driver. I live in Dover, OK, with my wife Allie. In my free time I watch Thunder basketball games and Sooner football.
How long have you been with Select?
I have been with Rockwater for three 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 oilifled and I just followed them. I started right after I graduated.
Describe a day in your job?
I repair chemical pumps, check inventory, and do chemical hook ups.
What is your safety philosophy?
Be ready for anything to happen, whether on-the-job or off. When you’re on the job, double check everything that you do and have your PPE on at all times.
How would you compare your first day at Select to today?
When I first started, I came to work unknowing of what to expect and how things ran. Today, I have the ability to show others what to expect and how we do thing in our yard and out in the field.
What motivates you to keep safety as a priority?
Going home to my family and watching out for my coworkers and our bosses, keeps it a priority in our yard.
Meet Finalist Justin Robey
Tell us about yourself.
Well I’m a father of seven and my wife’s name is Amber. My family, just like most, come first before anything. Everything that I do is for them. On the side of family and work, I jam guitar, game a little bit, and watch horror movies. Something that most don’t know is that I like to watch and read Celtic history and or folklore stories.
How long have you been with Select?
I’ve been working in water transfer for about six years but for Select it’s been about three years.
What has been your greatest accomplishment thus far with the company? What are you most proud of?
Becoming a supervisor. I’m proud of everything as a whole really. The teamwork, the work family, the experience, and the job that I’ve done so far.
If you could implement a safety strategy for all to follow, what would it be?
Take a moment. Take a moment to discuss safety. Take a moment to care, not just for yourself but for others too.
What is a safety issue that O&G workers face in the industry? What precautions have you and your team taken to prevent accidents?
What’s not a safety issue? Explosives, high pressure, fires, bodily injury, and sometimes the public. We take extra precautions every day and constantly coach our guys about it to help prevent accidents from happening. If you don’t tell them—we lose. If we don’t remind and coach about it—we lose. Always stay a step ahead and take a moment to discuss and check.
In your opinion, why is safety a core value at Select?
How could it not be a core value? This isn’t your everyday average job. It’s creating energy for the masses, and it can come with a price if you’re not safe and communicating.
What skills do you use most in your role and how do you implement safety to enhance the job?
The ability to get through to people and helping them understand why being safe is most important on the job.
Meet Finalist Joseph andrews
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Joseph Andrews. Everyone calls me Jo or JoJo. I’m 38. I live in the small town of Perrin, TX, with a population of 400. When I’m not working, I enjoy hanging out with my friends, playing a little golf, playing with my niece and nephews, or kicking it with my dog, Sarge. He’s a blue heeler.
How long have you been with Select?
I’ve been working with Select for 14 and a half years.
What is your safety philosophy?
Do it right the first time and think before you do. Keep each other safe.
When it comes to working in the industry, what is your number one safety MUST?
Communication. As a pump operator, I have to be able to talk to the guys on location and be on the same page.
Any safety tips for rookies coming into the industry?
If you don’t know or if you are not 100 percent certain, ask. It never hurts to ask, but if you don’t you might get yourself or others hurt.
What motivates you to keep safety as a priority?
What motivates me to keep safety as a priority is returning home the same way that I left in the morning—with all 10 fingers and toes. With the exception of an empty lunch box and a few more back in my pocket. That’s what it comes down to: doing your job safely and right, so that you can get up and do it again the next day to make a living.
What safety precautions do you take in your everyday life, outside of work?
My everyday safety precautions would be to always wear safety glasses when doing construction work like sawing, hammering, cutting, and weed eating the yard. Lastly, always wearing my seat belt and making sure that everyone else wears theirs.
Meet Finalist Shawn Stout
Tell us about yourself.
I’m a father of two, one girl and one boy. When I’m able to, I’m involved in my children’s activities. That takes up four days of the week. We try to stay active in some sort of way, but when they have a day free, I take the family fishing or find a spontaneous thing to do.
How long have you been with Select?
I started at Select in 2009 in Odessa, TX, when the well testing division was just kicking off. From there I transferred to Oklahoma until February of 2012. In October of 2017, I came back from the Tri State area.
What is your safety philosophy?
You can eat with false teeth, but you can’t see with a false eye.
Any safety tips for rookies coming into the industry?
Success is no accident. Never be late. It shows disrespect to the people who you are working with and for.
What attracted you to the O&G industry? How did you get started in the O&G industry?
I was raised south of Odessa, TX, in an oilfield town. So, it was either college or the patch. I went to Texas Tech in 1998 for EMS and got my EMS-B. I wasn’t happy with my choices, so I followed some friends to the drilling rigs. After six years doing that, I stumbled upon well testing after my rig stacked out. Fifteen years later, after traveling all over the U.S., here I am in Oklahoma.
What motivates you to keep safety as a priority?
My Children and wife are my main reason to stay motivated. As a tester, I don’t see them much, so I make sure that I’m able to go home safely when I’m able to do so.
What safety precautions do you take in your everyday life, outside of work?
When life gets hectic or complicated, I take two steps back and try to figure out a better way of doing things. Take it one day at a time and try not to rush or get overwhelmed with your daily decisions.
Meet Finalist Zack Schleicher
Tell us about yourself.
I live in Cheyenne, WY. On my time off, I work on trucks and hangout with my family.
How long have you been with Select?
I’ve been with Select a little over two years.
What has been your greatest accomplishment thus far with the company? What are you most proud of?
Becoming an operator III and moving towards becoming a field supervisor. I am most proud of the knowledge that I have gained working with Select in the amount of time that I’ve been here .
What skills do you use most in your role and how do you implement safety to enhance the job?
I use my knowledge and experience from being in the field to teach new employees, and current employees, how to perform and complete the job safely—without incidents
Describe a day in your job?
Starting out at around 3:00am, I drive an hour and half to location. I meet with the opposite shift lead and talk about what happened throughout the night. If there are any other tasks, they are completed throughout our shift. We then have a tailgate meeting with my crew and fill out our JHA and hotwork permit together. I assign tasks for everyone, then walk flowlines and wellhead to check valve alignment and monitor operations on location. I complete the day 12 hours later and head home to the family.
Any closing statements?
When coming into the oilfield know that this isn’t a normal job. This is a lifestyle and your coworkers will be your new family and you will be with them more than with your family. Always have each others’ backs.
What motivates you to keep safety as a priority?
To continue to provide for my family and make sure that I am in good health and condition to be around for my friends and family in the future. My coworkers can do the same. My job could not only affect my safety but everyone around me. If I do not have the trust of my fellow employees to do the job safely, then I wouldn’t be doing my job right.
Meet Finalist Daniel Ortiz
Tell us about yourself.
I’m 26 years old and originally from El Paso, TX. I began working at Select in 2014 for the Pecos yard as a labor worker and have been there ever since.
How long have you been with Select?
I’ve been with Select for a little bit over five years.
What has been your greatest accomplishment thus far with the company? What are you most proud of?
My greatest accomplishment would be working my way to becoming an operations manager. I’m proud to say that I started as a green hat in 2014 to being able to manage a yard in 2019.
Any safety tips for rookies coming into the industry?
You will hear Stop Work Authority all around the O&G industry. Don’t be afraid to use it. Believe me when I say that not using this has gotten people badly hurt. Truly think of it as your oilfield right.
What attracted you to the O&G industry? How did you get started in the O&G industry?
I would say that the money is what attracted me to the O&G, which is probably for most cases all around. I started out here because a friend of mine invited me over when he first started, and I had nothing to lose.
How would you compare your first day at Select to today?
When I first started, I had no idea what water transfer was. Not a single clue. All I knew was that I had an oilfield job and that I was going to make money. I never would have thought that water played such a big role in the O&G industry. I can truly say that we are the bloodline to all frac operations.
Any closing statements?
I want to thank God for the opportunities that he has been giving me throughout these years. Also, I want to thank my upper management for giving me their support up to this day.
Meet Finalist joseph Huntington
Tell us about yourself.
I am married with four children, three boys and one girl. When I am not working, I love spending time with my family. We go camping, ride side by side, and go fishing.
How long have you been with Select?
I have been with Select for nine years.
What is your safety philosophy?
I want everyone to go home the same way they came to work. Not hurt in any way and happy.
Any safety tips for rookies coming into the industry?
There are no dumb questions. Always work at a safe speed; do not try and rush to get the job done as that is how accidents happen.
What attracted you to the oil & gas industry?
The area where I live in had a lot of drilling companies. That’s where everyone went for work. I started working for a drilling company on a service rig and was there for four years. For nine years, I worked for a company on the frac and cement crew. I also worked for another company on the frac and cement side, until I became an operator and stayed there for nine years as well. Looking for a new experience, I joined the water transfer side and have been here ever since.
What does leadership mean to you?
Respect. Integrity. Accountability. A good leader inspires people to do things that they didn’t think they could.
What motivates you to keep safety as a priority?
Working in this industry for as many years as I have, I have seen guys die or get severely injured by taking short cuts or rushing to get the job done. Everyone needs to make safety a priority, not only in the workplace, but in their every day lives.
Meet Finalist Gregory Sturgill
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Gregory “Sheldon” Sturgill. I have been married to my wife Stacy for 16 years. We have four boys, Kenton (16), Regan (14), Blaney (12), and Tryson (11). I’m originally from Kentucky but moved here and have been in Oklahoma on and off since 2002. I’m an avid racing fan, and I worked for NASCAR for about five years before entering the oilfield.
How long have you been with Select?
I started with Select on January 21, 2018, at the Hennessey, OK, yard.
What attracted you to the O&G industry? How did you get started in the O&G industry?
I was attracted to the O&G industry because of the hours available and the rate of pay at the time. A family member offered me a job with them and based on the volume of work that they had and the benefits, I couldn’t pass it up.
What motivates you to keep safety as a priority?
My family at home and knowing that they depend on me to have the basic necessities.
What safety precautions do you take in your everyday life, outside of work?
Pay attention, take the time. Life is short. We can be here one minute and gone the next. In most cases, a little time taken to pay closer attention to detail could make the difference in which direction our lives go.
Any safety tips for rookies coming into the industry?
Use your resources and don’t take short cuts. This company gives you all of the necessities to do your job correctly and safely. Use them!
What is the best safety advice that you have received from a veteran?
Pay attention, eyes and ears, and do your job the best that you can and still assure that you are going home to your family, each and every day.
Meet Finalist Mario Mendoza
Tell us about yourself.
I am 38 years old. I have been married for 18 years to my wife Karina. We have a daughter, Luisa, who is 16 years old and ready to go to college. I like sports, exercise, and really enjoy going to the movies.
How long have you been with Select?
I’ve been with Select for seven years.
When it comes to working in the industry, what is your number one safety MUST?
Stay alert and have good communication.
Any safety tips for rookies coming into the industry?
Have a learning attitude, ask questions, and learn the company culture.
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. Many oilfield workers have been performing the same job for years, this becomes a habit and that is where complacency takes place. The precaution that I take is to always approach every job as if it was my first day at work.
What safety precautions do you take in your everyday life, outside of work?
Defensive driving. I explain to my wife and daughter the importance of staying focused while driving.
What is the best safety advice that you have received from a veteran?
Always double check your work. When you are finished with your work, go over it to make sure that everything is right. You might see things that you missed the first time around.
What does safety leadership mean to you?
I believe that a safety leader is somebody who not only exhibits personal behaviors but inspires others to do the same and speaks up in a constructive way to establish norms for safe behavior. A safety leader leads by example.