Dusty Roach
The idea of “props,” as expressed in the headline, is not a reference to proppant—something much utilized in our industry—though proppant is indeed necessary and could even qualify as something “current,” No, the reference here is to the indomitable spirit of our industry—a spirit that deserve props, or accolades. For a wide span of years the Permian Basin has been a leader in innovation in every endeavor to which it applies itself—whether in research, technology, efficiency, creativity, or production. Even in safety.
In most industries, 20 percent of the work force represents 80 percent of the productivity, from top to bottom. However, I feel that in our industry, one largely defined by unique leaderships skills and high expectations, and defined as well by the “can do” oilfield mentality, we can reasonably expect that 80 percent of our personnel do more than do their counterparts in the rest of most modern day industries. Granted, my findings and numbers are the results of any scientific studies. The findings here consist of my brief 50-years-plus in the oilfield.
The talent that our industry draws from the talent pool is usually cream of the crop! This next generation, brought up in the technological computer driven age, is impressive. The bonus is that they are usually offspring of our industry. The talent is combined with the work ethic, which is an added bonus.
Another benefit is that, given their added focus and emphasis on the environment, today’s youth is keen on such topics and open minded as well.
Since rigs and auxiliary support entities are now computerized, it is an easy transition! Computer techs are now a part of operations, just as are the regular IT personnel.
The emphasis on water conservation, recycling, and purification has resulted in less depletion of our water resources and more judicious handling of this vital element.
Then enters the field of safety. Due to behavioral studies and root cause analyses, combined with experiences and best practices, the safety world is starting to reap advanced rewards. The old days of safety cops and bonus programs has given way to working with educated and experienced governmental entities.
Safety is shaping up and improving daily.
Certainly there are exceptions. There probably will be exceptions as long as humans are involved. As stated in previous columns, the oilfield was founded on risk. We are hard working and a little stubborn, but always full of vim and vigor. We are ever changing and progressing. As Winston Churchill said, “to improve is to change; to be perfect you change often.”
He also said “babies and politicians need changing often; usually for the same reason.” But I digress.
My point is, our industry has the ability to adapt to the needs of our country faster than most industries. We adapt, we overcome, and we succeed each time. We have experienced downturns, low prices, and each time we respond and bounce back!
We are true pioneers. And I submit to you, we will continue. We’ve experienced blood, sweat, and tears. That ought to be a name of a rock band.
So to everyone in our industry, my hat is off to you.
As always, safety is like baseball. It’s not how many hits you have, it’s how many times you reach home safe that counts!
—Dust
Dusty Roach is a safety professional based in Midland. He is also a public speaker on subjects of leadership and safety, and he maintains a personal website at dustyroach.com.