You have probably heard the term The Great Crew Change. It has been floating around the last few years as companies begin to recognize the generational change in the workforce. While this is a challenge (and opportunity) that every industry will face very soon, it will have a particularly profound impact on Oil and Gas. According to estimates the average age of employees in the petroleum industry is 60. The nearly 50% of workers over 55 will be retiring in the next 5-7 years. This is going to leave a huge gap in the knowledge and experience base of companies. With recent and ongoing downsizing due to lower oil prices, and the impending effects of The Great Crew Change, companies have to consider what it means for them and how they will prepare for the changes.

Several key steps should be taken to set your company up for success.

• Understand the value of retaining your experienced employees. The Baby Boomer generation will soon reach retirement age, and while some companies are looking to downsize, the knowledge that these employees have and the experience they have gained is worth making the extra effort to retain them. Companies have found that if these employees leave they may go to different industries and do not return once prices shift. It is important to note the added stress placed on the experienced employees during a workforce downturn. Some may even opt to retire early. Employers need to remain cognizant of stresses placed on the industry and employees while focusing on retention.
  

• Put systems and procedures in place that encourage the transfer or knowledge from experienced employees to the younger generation. For example, Millennials respond well to direct training with more knowledgeable employees. You may also consider including experienced employees in the writing of training material, have them assist with handbooks and even training seminars. It is important to get their broad range of experience from every department.
  

• Embrace the pull from younger workers toward using more technology. Millennials will play a crucial role in implementing new tech, which will not only entice educated employees, but also boost productivity. Expect to see the use of cutting edge technology like artificial intelligence, predictive analytics, Internet of Things, and machine learning. Tasks that would have taken days or weeks can be accomplished much quicker now with the use of technology. Remember that technology also plays a critical role in recruiting new employees. Nearly half of all Millennials are looking for their next job on LinkedIn and there are more than 5,000 oil and gas LinkedIn groups. Social Media is a powerful tool in helping you find educated and eager employees. Companies can be somewhat selective in hiring, and should keep in mind that Millennials may look for different qualities in an employer, like the ability to maintain a work-life balance.
  

While The Great Crew Change does mean new challenges, it also presents opportunity. Companies need to find a balance between experience and embracing the inevitable changes. Investments must be made in both employee retention, and utilizing new technology. Companies need to focus on efficiency, accuracy and spending in areas that may not have been the main focus 10 years ago. Those companies that are able to operate at optimal performance will be in the best position for success no matter which direction the market turns. For more information on how Accupoint can help you navigate The Great Crew Change and optimizing business practices, contact us today.

Companies handling potentially dangerous or sensitive materials, like chemical treatment plants and oil refinement corporations, put a premium on safety. Implementing safety protocols and verifying them during operations is essential. The following are a few safety management ideas and tools for cultivating a safety-oriented atmosphere.

1. Constant and Dedicated Safety Training
A workforce requires precipitous safety training reminders, no matter how much extensive training they have had in the past. This may seem like an obstacle to productivity; however, each worker having a comprehensive understanding of safety standards and protocols saves time and money in the long run. Conducting dedicated safety training courses helps employees realize their active roles in maintaining safe operational standards.

2. Use Safety Management Technology
Technology can play a vital role when it comes to increasing safety at places like oil processing plants where standards and process are strictly documented. Programs like the OpX Process Safety Management system helps by creating a safe working environment by operating intuitively to delegate critical tasks systematically to essential personnel. Any management software should easily scale, have a simplistic roll-out and implementation procedure and reduce the need for burdensome training. With this software, you can address and eliminate compliance gaps as they are discovered.

3. Develop an effective Safety Program
Every processing or refinement plant should have in place or be developing, a safety and health program with policies, a budget, and procedures tailored to their location. This shows an appreciation for the workforce and will help to ensure the security of your resources and their adherence to OSHA standards and guidelines, reinforcing your company’s bottom line. In fact, modeling your intra-company safety guidelines after strict governmental standards, while tailoring them to suit the dynamic of an oil processing firm better, will keep employees hard a work help to avoid daily hazards.

4. Be Active and Pro-active
Taking charge and actively applying safety protocols conveys the fact that you take safety management seriously. You should develop safety initiatives that require the participation of executives, you, and your bosses to take part.  Part of implementing your safety program must include the cultivation of a culture focused on safety, which can only be accomplished with the involvement of leadership. Work closely with the team utilizing training sessions, applying technology and work site analyses whenever possible.

To find out more about how Accupoint Software can help you reach a new standard in production and safety, contact us today.