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Mechanical Engineer | HSE & Drilling Safety Specialist | 7+ Years in Oil & Gas | Proven Track Record in Risk Management & Budget Optimization
The Power of Asking and Verifying A Lesson from the Rig The oil and gas industry is built on precision, teamwork, and an unwavering commitment to safety. But sometimes, even the best-intentioned communication can lead to oversight if not backed by verification. Let me share a story that highlights the critical importance of asking and physically verifying when it comes to safety. The Scene: Valve Line-Up at the Pump On a busy night shift, a pumpman was tasked with lining up valves to prepare for a critical operation. The derrickman, located up high in the monkey board, coordinated with him over the radio. The conversation went like this: Derrickman: "Are the valves lined up correctly?" Pumpman: "Yes, they’re all set." It sounded simple enough. The pumpman knew his task and had completed valve line-ups hundreds of times before. But instead of moving forward, the derrickman asked a critical follow-up question: Derrickman: "Can you confirm again? Let’s double-check together to be sure." Reluctantly, the pumpman walked back to the manifold, flashlight in hand, and physically traced each valve line. That’s when he saw it: a valve was slightly cracked open in the wrong direction. It was a subtle oversight but one that could have caused severe consequences if left unchecked. What Did This Teach Us? The incident didn’t just avoid a potential safety hazard—it reinforced a crucial lesson for everyone involved. 1️⃣ Trust is vital, but verification saves lives. 2️⃣ No task is too routine to double-check. 3️⃣ Teamwork thrives when questions are encouraged, not dismissed. The pumpman later admitted that he initially felt offended by the extra verification request. But after spotting the cracked valve, he realized the derrickman’s insistence wasn’t a sign of distrust but a commitment to everyone’s safety. Takeaway In high-stakes environments like ours, always ask, but more importantly, always verify. A quick physical check might feel tedious, but it’s a small price to pay for preventing costly mistakes. Safety isn’t just about procedures- it’s about cultivating a culture where thoroughness is second nature. Stay vigilant. Stay proactive. And remember - when in doubt, verify! photo credit : DeepAI #OilAndGas #WorkplaceSafety #HSE #SafetyFirst #RigLife #Teamwork #SafetyCulture #LeadershipInSafety #NoShortcuts