Congratulations to our SMS Standout Gabe Armand. Gabe continually receives commendations from our clients for his positive outlook, team player attitude, going above and beyond his call of duty, and being an invaluable asset with an outstanding work ethic. Gabe’s presence immediately puts upper management at ease because they know the best of the best is on duty and trust his ability to lead in multiple roles. Gabe’s knowledge, attention to detail, and ability to perform dual role positions allow him to manage his duties, as well as the responsibilities of his senior management team in the event of their absence without worry or concern. Thank you, Gabe, for your commitment and outstanding work; great job!
We were able to get a glimpse into what a day at work looks like for Gabe and learn some fun facts about him.
A.A. Describe a typical day at work.
G.A. A typical work day starts with a 6 a.m. construction meeting to discuss the hazards associated with the jobs and any safety concerns or issues we may have had the day before. From there, the groups break out into the different job locations to start Permit and JSA paperwork. At this time, I visit each job site to review the paperwork, assist with JSA’s, and help mitigate any hazards related to the task. Once my first rounds are made, I will start to process any hazardous waste generated in the facility for the prior day. I frequently feel in for Shell’s Production/Operations HSE Specialist and have to cover several morning safety meetings and call-ins associated with this role. Once the waste is handled, it is not uncommon to get called out to different jobs several times an hour with questions from the workers, to assess HAZ IDs, get my opinion on executing a particular task, equipment inspections, check process pipe for NORM, and many other things. Between making these rounds, we have daily reports and BBSM data sent out daily. Once a week, we will have a large construction/operations meeting where I will present a safety topic, review our safety data for the week, and review incidents that occurred gulf wide. Occasionally, I will have to report and investigate incidents on location, as well as report any LOPCs to the appropriate agencies. The rest of my day is spent out on the deck, engaging with the workers and ensuring we execute the work safely.
A.A. What was the best vacation you have ever taken?
G.A. Prim Arkansas. My wife and I rent cabins up there quite often; it is one of the most peaceful places I have ever been to. You can relax your mind while listening to the sounds of nature and the distant waterfalls in the background.
A.A. Describe yourself in one sentence.
G.A. I enjoy learning how things work like engines and machines; things of that nature.
A.A. What is your favorite thing about your job?
G.A. Interaction with the workers. I have been on the Auger TLP for almost eight years, and I have developed a strong bond with many people out there. They are my second family, so I take their safety very personally.
A.A. What food could you live on for a month?
G.A. Can’t beat a good burger!
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?
G.A. I love spending time with friends and family, whether hunting, cooking out in the yard, or playing music; as long as I’m with friends and family, I’m happy. My side hustle would be building bikes. I enjoy building electric and gas-powered bikes.
A.A. How do you stay motivated at work?
G.A. We work for our families; my family motivates me at work.
A.A. What has been the most fulfilling moment in your career so far?
G.A. It is always nice when a worker pulls you to the side and thanks you for catching a safety issue that could have possibly gotten them hurt. It is also nice to continuously be requested to return to the same platform; it proves that I am making a difference.
A.A. Who would play you in a movie?
G.A. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson
A.A. Tell us about a moment that changed your life.
G.A. When my son was born, hands down! What an amazing experience.
A.A. What would be your advice for future [safety professionals]?
G.A. Built working relationships with the workers, let them know that you are there to help and assist in any way you can. Work together to resolve any safety concerns. Building trust is extremely important; the way you address people is equally important, be tactful and respectful with your delivery when addressing the workers.
A.A. What is your favorite activity outside of work?
G.A. I enjoy going to the gym. Recently my 13 yr old has joined the gym with me, so I really enjoy working out together.
A.A. Name one book that inspired you professionally.
G.A. Have to come clean; I’m not big on books.
A.A. Which talent or superpower would you most like to have and why?
G.A. Although super strength and flying sound really fun, I suppose it would be selfish to pass up the superpower to cure/heal people.
A.A. What was the best advice you were ever given?
G.A. From a safety perspective, people don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.
A.A. Do you have a bucket list? What are the top 3 things on it?
G.A. Witness a space shuttle launch.
Taking my wife on an African Safari.
Owning my own hunting property.
A.A. Do you have any pets? What are their names?
G.A. I have a crazy Welsh Corgi by the name of Huck; We call him Huckster!
A.A. A penguin walks through the door right now wearing a sombrero. What does he say, and why is he here?
G.A. WOW! Don’t ever hitch a ride with an intoxicated seal!
