As we look toward the U.S. Labor Day holiday this coming Monday, I encourage you all to make time for reflection (What went well? What can I improve?) and to prepare your minds for the coming outage season (What do I need to deliver success?). There are achievements to celebrate across our business from the first half of this year, and we will deliver continued success in H2 by leveraging our safety and quality plays (see images below).

You have heard this week from OFS Leadership and will continue to hear about the What How, What How (WHWH) philosophy. This is a great tool to help us all be thoughtful and intentional as we plan our work this fall. Below I have asked some of our highly esteemed Operations Leaders to share their thoughts on the value of Labor Day and the What How, What How tool.

“Growing up in Michigan, Labor Day meant the end of summer and the beginning of school. It wasn’t until I turned 18 and got into the union that I learned about Peter J. McGuire (the founder of Labor Day) and how he helped to shape my future. Labor Day is the holiday for the workers, it’s my holiday and your holiday. This is the day we recognize all those who put their boots on every day and help to provide for their families. This is the day we need to take a moment thank our crews, superintendents, organizers, and agents for the things we have … contracts, safety standards, training, protections, and the continuous improvement of processes in our industry for all who work in it. In most areas of the U.S., Labor Day is a time for BBQ and family over a long weekend. Enjoy it, and if you get a moment thank a worker – it is their day.”

-        Mike Benacquisto, APM Gas Sr. Operations Division Leader

“This past January, I had the pleasure of participating in a Kaizen on Hazard Recognition. The discussions our group had quickly led us to the idea of a simple phrase … “What How, What How”. Sometimes we focus too much on the appearance of our Safety Task Analysis Cards (STACs), rather than the necessary effective communication when identifying hazards. Active participation from the team working on a particular task could mean the difference in completing a job safely or changing someone’s life forever with negative consequences. If we sincerely ask ourselves each of these four questions during our pre job brief, I believe we can more effectively identify and mitigate many of these hazards we face every day.

WHWH Questions:

1.     What is our task?

2.     How will we do it?

3.     What can hurt us?

4.     How can we prevent injury?

If anything changes… STOP! Ask and answer these questions again.”

-        Jared Kennard, APM Safety Champion Leader

 All of your effort, dedication, and focus throughout this year is very much appreciated. This day is dedicated to all of the hard workers – YOU. On behalf of our APM family, THANK YOU for your commitment.