We had a chat with Trent Linnan (Process Operator (Trainee) Programmed FPSO, INPEX), a recent Industry Safety Induction (ISI) graduate, about himself, and why he thinks the ISI helps an industry new start.
Why is this relevant to HSERs? Well, at 2021’s HSER Forum, HSERs identified the number of industry new entrants as one of their top concerns, with the higher-than-usual percentage of new starts across Industry, coupled with the exit of experienced staff contributing to an increase in safety incidents.
We all know that the foundation of safety at every worksite is an induction – the HSER role perfectly placed to advocate for a comprehensive induction ensuring that each new employee begins a position empowered to commence duties in a safe manner – but Trent really sums up exactly why it is so important that all industry new starts begin on the same footing.
In this instance, a comprehensive standardised industry-wide introduction offers a foundation of safety performance upon which the entirety of our industry rests – and we all know, building upon a solid foundation ensures soundness of the structure that follows. It also allows member companies to reduce their own site induction requirements knowing the foundations have already been established through the ISI.
Thanks, Trent for describing so succinctly just why it’s important we all start on the same footing.
Q: Tell us a bit about yourself, how long you’ve been in the industry & how you came to be in our Industry.
My name is Trent Linnan and I have been working in the Oil and Gas Industry for 10 years as an Inlec.
I was lucky enough to do my Dual trade Electrical and Instrumentation (E&I) apprenticeship with Kentz contracting to Chevron on the Barrow Island LNG Facility, and I finished my time with Kentz on the INPEX LNG facility at Bladden point in Darwin.
From here I moved offshore to the INPEX facilities in the Browse Basin working for Clough on the Explorer CPF and Venturer FPSO.
With the completion of Clough’s scope of work, I moved to working for Monadelphous on the Explorer CPF as a maintenance Inlec.
During the covid period of 2020 with the down manning of the facility due to bedding shortages I went to work on Varanus Island as a maintenance Inlec for UGL contracting to Santos. This was a fantastic opportunity for me as I had never worked on such an old plant and had a chance to really hone my fault-finding skills and was involved in the change out of one of the Gas Export Turbines.
With INPEX manning back up I returned to work for Monadelphous as a maintenance Inlec on the Explorer Central Processing Facility (CPF).
In April this year I began my new role as a Trainee Process Operator with Programmed contracting to INPEX on the Venturer Floating Production Storage and Offtake Facility (FPSO).
This has been a dream of mine to get involved in the fast-paced world of operations.
Q: When did you complete the ISI, and how do you think it helps any new starter onboard?
I completed the ISI in April this year with the commencement of my new role as a Trainee Process Operator.
When I first started in the Industry the ISI was not around.
I feel that the ISI is an excellent course no matter how long you have been in the industry or how experienced you are – it is a good refresher and there is always something you can pick up from the course as an experienced worker.
However, for someone fresh to the industry it is an exceptional way to be introduced to the industry and details what is required of new starters when working on a hazardous facility.
Q: Do you have any suggestions regarding how (or why) other companies might implement the ISI?
I think all companies should implement the ISI as a part of their onboarding process to allow new starters to know what is expected of them in the industry and to give them the opportunity to be familiarised with the Permit to Work system and Integrated Safe System of Work (ISSOW) requirements.
It allows new people to be inducted before being thrown into the deep end (so to speak) - especially for personnel who have never worked offshore before. It avoids them turning up to the Heliport in shorts or to the offshore facility with thongs, lighters etc.
Q: Can you give us your perspective on how you think the ISI as an industry-wide induction initiative benefits workers and contractors?
I think the ISI is fantastic as it has been formalised in that it is industry-wide, and the delivery is the same across the industry. We are presenting one clear message about safety and how it is the most important aspect of our industry.
It is important that new starters are presented this message and know that they are entitled to speak up about safety and that there are absolutely no short cuts to be taken, that management is behind them in working safe and going home safely.
It is good that all companies and contractors in the industry are getting behind the training for their new starts, especially with the influx in new starters with the number of major shutdowns across the industry this year.
Q: Do you have anything you’d like to add about your experience of the induction process, or the benefits of the ISI?
I felt the course was very well presented by the personnel at ERGT. It was very informative yet to the point.
The message was clear, and it outlines what is expected of new starters in the industry.
It is good that the course is formalised across the industry so no matter where in Australia you receive the training it is all the same.
I feel it is a positive step in the right direction for producing safer oil and gas workers for the future of our industry.