Following is the energy story of Issac Dantin of Golden Meadow, Louisiana:
What is your name, title/occupation, and where do you live?
Issac Dantin
Senior Safety Manager
Golden Meadow, LA
Can you tell us a little about what your company does and your role?
My role as senior safety manager is to lead a team of 12 Safety Professionals while leading the direction of our company into a world-class safety minded culture. Our Safety team is composed of a compliance coordinator who overlooks our safety policies and databases, a case manager who cares for our employees who become ill or injured and three safety managers who oversee several safety specialists, who are boots on the ground safety professionals. Our team works daily to be face to face with as many employees as possible to reinforce safe working behaviors as well as receive feedback to help drive improvements.
How long have you worked in the offshore energy industry?
22 Years
What originally attracted you to the offshore energy industry, and what has kept you in the industry?
At first, the work schedule is what attracted me, and then I was fascinated by the diversity of tools and equipment. But what really keeps me in the industry is the people. We have so many diverse people in the oilfield. To have the ability to impact the safety of others has been gratifying. Knowing that being part of the team that helps to design an industry leading safety culture is the reward.
What types of job opportunities does your company offer? What skills make potential employees a good fit with the team?
Well, I’m a piece of living proof of our company’s commitment to employee development. I started with Danos at the very bottom position as a roustabout. I was able to work up through the ranks as an equipment operator, then a foreman, then as the lead supervisor of the worksite. Soon I was in the office as a coordinator, then granted the opportunity to be the manager of that location. Through those opportunities I was asked to help lead our company’s safety department where I am today.
The first skills that make potential employees a good are their desire to work safe and their care for their co-workers. Care is a big word, but it is most valuable.
How much of a priority is worker safety and environmental stewardship for your company? Can you give an example of safety or environmental practices within your company?
Safety is not a priority for our company. We removed that term years ago. It is one of our values. Priorities change, values are a bedrock. Our managers, executives and owners participate in what we call our Safety Action Plan. Each person has an accountability to participate in reaching their goals of BBS observations, the use of Stop Work Authority, leading hand and Job Safety Analysis (JSA) audits, as well as attending safety meetings at crew changes and on work locations. Safety is lead from the top down but also listened to from the bottom up. Input from our employees is one of our most valuable resources.
How has the industry changed in the last five years? Are there any new technologies or practices that you wish had previously existed?
We are using technology much better. The design of our Danos App has been a success. We can now communicate near misses, uses of stop work and behavioral based safety through phones or tablets. In turn that gives us quick and direct feedback enabling us to jump in the bucket with our employees who may need our assistance.
What does your family do for fun when you are not working?
My family is very involved with our local church and community. My children are student athletes in softball, football and Jiu Jitsu. We often enjoy vacationing in the mountains and take every opportunity to connect in our roots through the seafood industry. We enjoy fishing, shrimping, crabbing and duck hunting.
People who do not live along the Gulf Coast might not know about the fishing, beaches and other outdoor draws to the region. How much are the outdoors part of the way of life for energy workers along the Gulf of Mexico?
I’m not only an oilfield worker but also a licensed commercial fishermen. It has always been part of the culture to work your 7 days in the oilfield and your days off shrimping, crabbing or oystering. I try to keep that tradition alive. I often invite co-workers and their children to experience what it’s like.
Finally, what is the one thing you would like to tell Americans about life alongside America’s offshore energy production?
We are a people who love life. We enjoy telling stories about our families and all the things going on at home. We come in all shapes, sizes and colors. We bond as families do when things become tough, and we enjoy celebrating our accomplishments. We never enjoy leaving our families the day of crew change, but we also enjoy that handshake when we get back to our second home. We live together, eat together and enjoy life together. Our oilfield family is more than cliché but a true part of the people we are.
