Congratulations to SMS Standout Jay Langston. Jay is a remote safety medic and was recently nominated for customer recognition, excellent performance, living the SMS mission and quality of work. Jay made an impression on a client at the project he was assigned to in response to an incident. Jay thoroughly gathered critical facts and offered astute observations that will be used to teach others how to avoid this kind of incident in the future. As a medic and safety professional Jay’s skills have been invaluable in managing the complex and stressful situations offshore and he reflects positively on the strength of the SMS team. Awesome work, Jay!
We asked Jay to describe what a typical day at work looks like for him.
A.A. Describe a typical day at work.
J.L. My day starts at 5:00 a.m., preparing for each day’s safety and operational SIMOPS meeting, followed by Permit to work and JSA review. It’s filled with multitasking all day, from simply greeting a worker and establishing a safety culture, worksite visits and mentoring, heat stress and permit audits, to managing and investigating an incident. We strive to focus on hourly prevention and focusing only on the task at hand, and safety culture actualization, then respond, mitigate and gather lessons learned when incidents do occur. Assess and develop appropriate treatment plans to any ill or injured workers, and lately, medical monitoring, surveillance, and case management of COVID.
A.A. What was the best vacation you have ever taken?
J.L.I absolutely love taking cruises and experiencing new adventures with my wife and best friend, Angel. My favorite so far is snorkeling and swimming with sea turtles in the Bahamas.
A.A. Describe yourself in one sentence.
J.L. Caring experienced professional who strives to provide the most help and guidance possible each day while building and maintaining positive relationships.
A.A. What is your favorite thing about your job?
J.L. Having a proactive positive impact on people’s lives and safe work with the goal of getting everyone home safely and incident-free.
A.A. What food could you live on for a month?
J.L. Pizza
A.A. Do you have a side hustle, hobby, or volunteer group that you’re involved in outside of work? What else do you spend your time doing?
J/L/I work part-time on EMS ground to keep my skills honed. I am also a volunteer Firefighter Paramedic in my rural parish. I spend most of my free time with my family.
A.A. How do you stay motivated at work?
J.L. Focus on today and the challenges for the day. One day at a time. I strive to learn something every day to apply to the next to continue to grow and excel.
A.A. What has been the most fulfilling moment in your career so far?
J.L. Being recognized for a job well done. Bringing life into the world, and the opportunity to ease suffering.
A.A. Who would play you in a movie?
J.L. John Wayne
A.A. Tell us about a moment that changed your life.
J.L. Homebirth of my son.
A.A. What would be your advice for future [safety professionals]?
J.L. Compassion and relationships are the most important aspects of your jobs, Everything else comes after. Learn something new each day to apply to the next; never stop learning.
A.A. What is your favorite activity outside of work?
J.L. Spending time with family, traveling, the beach and ocean, and hunting.
A.A. Name one book that inspired you professionally.
J.L. The Bible.
A.A. Which talent or superpower would you most like to have and why?
J.L. The power to heal. To ease pain and suffering.
A.A. What was the best advice you were ever given?
J.L. Be thankful, humble, and live each day as your last.
A.A. Do you have a bucket list? What are the top 3 things on it?
J.L. More travel, mission trips, and retirement!
A.A. Do you have any pets? What are their names?
J.L. Nope, do kids count?
A.A. A penguin walks through the door right now wearing a sombrero. What does he say and why is he here?
J.L. Dos cervezas por favor. To enjoy a cold beverage on a hot day.
