In This Issue
Message from Derek the Derrick
September 2012
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What does Integrity mean to the crew on Rig 437? What’s Happening? Photo Competition Entries
Rig-n-Dig • savannaenergy.com
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A Message from our Mascot Dear Savanna Employees, It has been a while since I have been around the office after suffering a shoulder injury from too much hand shaking and knee slapping during the Stampede Parade (my knees are kinda hard to slap). To recuperate from my injury I took some time off to recover and toured the world via suitcase, thanks to some very considerate Savanna employees. The kindheartedness I experienced while travelling has reminded me just how valuable Savanna employees are; it is rare indeed that you can be part of a company that places such high value on caring for their people. As a representative of Savanna I am proud to share with everyone I meet how great it is to work at Savanna. This company makes me feel like I am a part of something and that family feel extends to the communities we work in.
Recently I was shooting the sh... breeze with Mr. Mullen and he shared his thoughts on the importance of caring for our people, not just those inside the company but those in the world at large. His words reminded me of how we came together recently to compete in the Calgary Corporate Challenge where employees compete in over 20 events. Even more important than how we performed is how we came together to support each other. When teams needed players on short notice someone stepped up, when we competed we played as a team, when needed we helped each other to be our best. I believe this experience extends to all of us at Savanna, whether in Canada, the US or Australia, in the office or in the field. We work together, helping each other when needed without question and looking out for each
other making sure we go home safe every day. Overall, being Savanna’s mascot is great: kids love you and everyone thinks you’re photogenic; however, what truly makes being a mascot the best job in the world is not the fame, the fortune, the world tours, the parties or the limos, but the people you represent. It is said a company is only as good as the people it keeps and Savanna keeps some pretty awesome people. BTW keep packing me in those suitcases, just try not to place me beside the sneakers. Sincerely, Derek 800, 311 6th Avenue SW Calgary, Alberta T2P 3H2 Phone: 403 503 9990 Fax: 403 267 6749 info@savannaenergy.com Savanna Energy Services Corp. is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX:SVY) For current stock information, visit tsx.com or savannaenergy.com
Rig-n-Dig August 2012
Rig-n-Dig is published by Savanna Energy Services Corp. as an information vehicle for our employees and for our community. Suggestions and contributions are welcome and encouraged. Editor/Publisher: Chesley Ryder 403 718 2885 cryder@savannaenergy.com Managing Editor: John Bayko 403 781 9999 jbayko@savannaenergy.com
In This Issue
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Rig-n-Dig • August 2012
Message from Derek Sterling Rideout Introduction Rig 437 on Integrity Carol Ann’s Story What’s Happening? HR Excitement Photo Contest Submissions
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Sterling Rideout : The New Face of Safety at Savanna With safety being such a priority at Savanna, it takes an individual with certain experience and drive to lead the company in that area. “At Savanna right now, we are not where we want to be in the industry. We are at a very good level, but we need to get to that next level,” says Sterling Rideout, Savanna’s new Director of Global Health, Safety and Environment. With a background in disaster management, specialization in business continuity, and 30 years of experience in the health, safety and environment (HSE) field, Rideout hopes to be the one to lead Savanna to that next level.
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Our main resource is our people so we have to protect our people
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“Safety isn’t just about numbers, it’s about how unacceptable it is that any of our employees comes to our work sites and go home with an injury to their kids or spouses and have to tell them they got injured on a Savanna work site.” Rideout has had an interest in safety ever since his university years when he worked in the mining industry. “We would get called out to the site at 3:00am sometimes because there had been an accident,” he recalls. “It could have been someone that you worked with or played soccer with the day before.” Rideout says he developed a passion for safety following those experiences, and always thought there had to be a better way of doing things and a way to motivate people to be safer at work. At Savanna, Rideout is confident that one of the ways this can be done is through the “zero concept”. This means believing that having zero incidences is achievable and working on the journey towards that goal. He says his intention is to create a vision and a strategy that involves bringing safety, and the idea of zero incidences, to the forefront of the minds of every employee. This strategy would begin with senior management and make its way down to Savanna’s clients, the general public, and the families of employees so they can see how focused Savanna is on creating a safe work environment. “Safety is an attitude. If we all start with a small change then eventually we will see great things when it comes to safety,” Rideout says.“That doesn’t change if you are a senior manager, a labourer or an hourly employee — our main resource is our people so we have to protect our people.” Practically speaking, the new HSE Director says that the zero concept means every employee needs to take the time to stop and think about what they are doing and complete their required tasks without rushing or cutting corners. Rideout says the message of safety at Savanna needs to be heard by all employees within the first five minutes of joining the organization so they understand that any attitudes or behaviours that may result in someone getting injured will not be accepted here. Although Rideout admits that Savanna has quite a bit of work to do to get to that next level and the “zero concept”, he believes that it is possible. “With the people and skill sets that we have here I think it’s very achievable, and I think that Savanna can become a world class leader when it comes to health and safety.”
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Integrity Defined: Savanna Rig 437
Excellence Integrity do the right thing Integrity: Demonstrate courage toSustainability Relationships
Values
After working with Savanna for about five years, Chad McIvor has come to understand and appreciate the company’s four key values: Integrity, Relationships, Excellence and Sustainability. In his current role as a Rig Manager on 437 in Central Alberta, he has been responsible for ensuring that his crew understands them as well. He says that they live up to the values of the company through each value, but the most practical value in his position is that of integrity, or doing the right thing. Scott Edward, a Floorhand on 437, has worked in the field for just six months but already knows what integrity means on a drilling rig. He says that even simple aspects of the job like following procedures, keeping work areas clean, not leaving tools or equipment out and following procedures can prevent a lot of injuries that don’t need to happen. “If you come up with a plan then follow through with it, don’t change things as you go along or make things unsafe,” he says.
“Certain procedures are there for a reason and staying true to those is important.” Not only that, but Edward says that the training he was provided with helped him to be prepared for his position and know how to do the right thing. “I feel very well prepared,” he says. “And I feel like if there is an issue or problem that comes up that [Savanna] is willing to help solve it.” Rig 437’s Derrickhand, Mick Labre, echos Edward’s thoughts on integrity, and adds that technologies available on the TDS-3000TM rig help to increase efficiency and therefore integrity. “Because they are a lot safer, we have more time to keep stuff cleaner, more organized, and people aren’t getting hurt out here,” Labre says. Some of the technologies on the TDS-3000TM include automated pipe handling, iron roughneck and hydraulic slips. McIvor realizes that it is not only the machines but the great people at Savanna as a whole that make the
work towards integrity and doing the right thing worthwhile. “This means not cutting corners, taking the time to review the JHA’s (Job Hazard Analysis), and watching out for one another or any third part that comes on location.” As well, he says a huge part of integrity on a rig is carrying the burden of doing something wrong and manning up to it. “If you mess up, own up to it,” he says. “We’re not here to point fingers; we’re here to solve problems so that nobody gets hurt.” Rig 437’s work towards Savanna’s key values, especially integrity, is paying off. Darcy Burns, Well Site Supervisor for Canadian Natural Resources Limited, says that all of the guys on Rig 437 have been great to work with. “So far, as everything goes, it’s been a really good experience.” Congrats to everyone on Rig 437 for demonstrating courage to do the right thing!
Rig 437 Crew (From L to R): Chad McIvor, Mick Labre, Shane Simons, Scott Edward, Jesse VanEaton
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Carol Ann’s Story My sister was the most amazing person you could ever meet. She lived with a congenial heart defect. It was not what defined her, but it shaped her into one of the most caring, couragous individuals I have ever met. Here is her story. My parents were ecstatic when their first child, Carol Ann Mattie, was born on June 2nd, 1974. The doctors told them their baby girl was healthy but it didn’t take long for that to change. Within her first day of life, Carol Ann turned blue and had to be flown to a hospital in Halifax where it was discovered that she had been born with a complex congenital heart defect. She was soon diagnosed with Tricuspid Atresia: a condition that prevents blood from entering the lungs to get oxygenated. This was complicated by what is called a transposition of the great vessels where the two major vessels that carry blood away from the heart are switched, causing a decrease in oxygen in the blood. Carol Ann also had kidney problems. One of her kidneys had a blockage and was enlarged while the other was covered in cysts; the doctors did not expect her to live long. Yet, as she would many times throughout her life, Carol Ann exceeded expectations. She had multiple surgeries when she was a baby and throughout her childhood - her first was at just one month old. While my parents were struggling to come to terms with what life would be like taking care of my sister, I was born. Just 11 months younger than Carol Ann, or Care as she became known, she was my big sister but it didn’t take long for me to assume the big brother role - she called me her little big brother. Our brother Mike was born 2 years later. We were all very close. Through her struggles, Care was always positive and always smiling. Care started school ahead of me, but due to hospital stays and repeated illness, she began to fall behind in school. At one point in elementary we were in the same grade; by the time we were done I had passed her. Finally, at the age of 34, Care graduated valedictorian and obtained her high school diploma. I was so proud of her and somehow, through it all, she was able to maintain a positive outlook on life. Family was extremely important to her; she was the glue that held ours together. My brother said it best when he said “for a girl who lacked physical strength she gave the biggest, strongest hugs ever!” In November of 2010, I got a call from my father. He told me Carol Ann’s heart had stopped and that they were hooking her up to an external pacemaker. It was suggested that I make arrangements to go back to Halifax to say goodbye, so I took my wife and youngest son with me, unprepared to do the unthinkable. When we arrived, we went straight to the hospital. Although her heart had miraculously started beating on its own again, Care was very weak. When I went to hold her hand she couldn’t
feel it, and we realized she had a stroke. This one was much more serious than one she suffered from 12 years earlier and caused her to lose mobility in her left side. After this incident, Carol Ann’s health continued to deteriorate, but as difficult as her life had been, she always said “things could be worse”. On her 38th birthday, her birthday cake had her motto written on it: “It Ain’t Easy Being Me!” On July 14th, 2012 Carol Ann’s oxygen levels were really low once again and she was admitted to the hospital. On July 16th, Care called to say good night to me and my son Jake as she always did. I don’t remember the whole conversation, but I remember telling her that I loved her and her telling me the same. At about 1:30 am on July 17th, I received a call from my Dad saying that Care had passed away. I couldn’t believe it; I almost still don’t. They say that Care was born with a broken heart. I disagree. Carol Ann Mattie was born with an exceptional heart that was capable of love and kindness that most of us could only wish for. Anyone who met Carol Ann will tell you, they are richer for having known her. She was AMAZING!!
The Mattie Family is raising money for the Heart Beats Children’s Society and taking part in their Run/Walk event on October 13, 2012 in memory of Carol Ann. To make a donation please visit their Running Room page: http://bit.ly/QmSifz
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What’s Happening? What’s Happening in Odessa, TX? Savanna Odessa has been busy as of late with all rigs but our pipe-arm single running steady. With a constant stream of people interested in joining Savanna’s team dropping by to learn more about us, and supporting all the hard working rigs drilling in the Permian Basin, the Odessa office can barely find time to get out to the Hog Pit for some great BBQ!!
Derrick Williams, Jason Smith, Steve McCown
Benny Fiud and Michael Fincher
Stacy Brooks
Sherry Herrington
Frank Savage
Sheldon Maxwell
Ricky Rosa
Dustin Brown
Shellie Maxim
Robbie Roman
Rig #612 (L to R): Clint Stiles, Abdiel Villegas, Everret Breuer, Jason Goodson, Adam Cruz, Justin Vallery
Derek’s Vacation This month, Derek the Derrick spent a few days enjoying the refreshing ocean breeze and plenty of sunshine in Orange County, California with Diana Tucker. While visiting the pier in Huntington Beach, he enjoyed seeing an offshore rig and got to visit another rig and said hi to its derrick!
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Rig #641 (L to R): Brent Gossen, Daniel Young, Tommie Hargus, Josh Moody, Michael Carabajal, David Deleon
What’s Happening? Congrats Rig 59 & Rig 81 Crew! Lorne Stang has been working with his crew for the past 15 months and they have been accident free. “With gentlemen like these it makes my job a lot easier. I am very proud of them,” he says. Congratulations to these safe crews!
Rig 59 Crew (L to R): Lorne Stang, Dave MacDonald, Dennis Boehler, Taylor Rose, John Chabot, Luc Levesque
Rig 81 Crew (R to L): Lorne Stang, Dave Lebsack, Pete Hampton, David Elliot, Jordan Hampton, Ben Landry
Five Year Rings This month, employees recieved their thank you gift for a five year commitment to Savanna. Congratulation to these dedicated individuals!
Jeremiah Daley (ring presented by Vince Miller)
Jeremy Koecher (ring presented by Alex Petrie)
Thank you
Doug Barnes (ring presented by Bruce Nash)
Congrats Kayla
Special thanks to the crews of Rig 104, 105, 106 and 107 and the staff in the North Kayla Zaretzky, Floorhand on Rig 19, Dakota office for their cooperation and hospitality during the recent HSE Audit. competed in a 10K race. Well done Kayla!
Rig 106 (From L to R): Melvin Binstock, Rob Fettig, Tina Hapienko, Tyler Narveson, Kyle Tokkinen and Ed Niska.
Derby Demolition Barry Lepard, Rig Manager from #27 and some friends from Salmon Arm, BC built the first ever Savanna Derby Car and took part in a Derby event on August 26, 2012. Barry says it was the funnest event he as ever been apart of!
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The Excitement in HR: From Australia to the USA Claudia de Beer says that her job is an HR person’s dream – she is working for a company that is doing really well on a team that is supported by management. De Beer started at Savanna just over two months ago as Savanna Australia’s new HR Manager.
different aspects to a business in terms of customs and cultures that act as another layer in terms of the human element.” Part of creating that foundation and involving the human element is Savanna’s strong vision and set of values. De Beer describes how, although the company has a vision and values like most other organizations, Savanna’s are very much backed up by the executive team and they are used to make decisions at the company which is a very positive aspect of working at Savanna, especially in HR.
Coming from a background in HR with more than 13 years of experience in the profession, she has a lot to bring in regards to her background, knowledge, interest in people, and her enthusiasm about the future of the company. “In terms of Savanna in Australia, it is new and it’s exciting. In terms of HR, it is equally as new and exciting,” de Beer says.
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Whether it be integrity, relationships, excellence, sustainability, leadership, people, innovation or technology, de Beer says everyone, no matter your position, has a strong contribution to make in regards to stepping up to the values and reaching our vision.
it back into the employees and businesses in Australia to grow the industry there. Although she has not been with the company very long, de Beer points out the one thing she can say at this stage is that Savanna is in Australia to stay, and with strong backing from corporate offices in both the US and Canada, everything and everyone is working to move the company forward. “The future looks bright,” she says, and her enthusiasm towards HR is shared throughout Savanna around the globe. “I’m thrilled about what’s going on with HR in the US right now,” says Jeff Miller, Savanna’s HR & Organizational Effectiveness Manager based in Texas. Miller also agrees that the support from the executive team at Savanna makes a difference in his position.
“Profit is not even mentioned in the vision because it is realized that through our values and through people, innovation, and technology, this will become a successful business.” Savanna’s values are especially important in Australia where there
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Profit is not even mentioned in the vision because it is recognized that, through our values and through people, innovation, and technology, this will become a successful business
This excitement is created by the amount of growth and opportunities available to make a mark on Savanna’s future. “People change, processes change and with the direction of Savanna in Australia, we have to set a good foundation in HR for today and the future,” she says. “It’s not just about experience or even attitude, just having an understanding that people bring
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is so much growth happening; two years ago there were just two people in the Australian offices and now there are over 250.
“With this exponential growth, the key for Savanna is to grow the company with Australians,” de Beer says. Since Canadians and Americans have brought their experience and training to Australian rig crews, they need to take that and put
“From day one, since our operations opened in the US, executive leadership has demonstrated tremendous support for HR and we see this in action every day,” he says, “and although we know that Operations is the lifeblood of the organization and the engine that drives it, the HR team is committed to servicing and supporting the organization the best it can.”
Savanna Photo Contest Thank you to everyone who submitted photos to Savanna’s photo contest. This year’s competition is now closed, but stay tuned for next month’s issue when we reveal the winner!
Ominous clouds; submitted by Greg Hobbs
Turner Valley on Horseback; submitted by Tina Hapienko
Double rainbow; submitted by Amanda Ayers Fall at the Glenbow Reservoir; submitted by Isaac Beadle Rig 66 in the Australian Desert; submitted by Dan McCoy
Rig 66 in the Australian Desert 2; submitted by Dan McCoy
Canadian Flag in Banff, AB; submitted by Rebecca Sue
Wind Storm; submitted by Amanda Ayers
Rig 66 in the Australian Desert 2; submitted by Dan McCoy
Gold at the end of the rainbow; submitted by Garry Hurkens
Glenbow Reservoir; submitted by Isaac Beadle Rig 66 in the Australian Desert 3; submitted by Dan McCoy
Equinox at the Glenbow Reservoir; submitted by Isaac Beadle
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Save for your future with the Savanna Energy Services Corp. Retirement Savings Plan Don’t delay — enroll today! Top reasons to join your Savanna Energy Services Corp. Retirement Savings Plan: • Lower investment management fees not available elsewhere • Access to institutional fund managers only available through your group plan • Regular payroll contributions to make sure you save before you spend • Tax deductible and tax sheltered investment earnings give you instant tax savings • Immediate tax relief on your contributions reduce the tax you pay • It’s like getting up to 100 percent return on your contributions. With a dollarfor-dollar company match of up to 6 percent of your base salary (depending on your years of service) you keep more of your hard earned money where it belongs – in your pocket!
Make your money work for YOU. What are you waiting for? It’s up to you to take action! Enroll today. Want to know more? Call SunLife Financial’s Customer Care Centre at 1-866-733-8612 any business day from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. MST.
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101 rig terminology
Kelly Bar: Sqaure pipe used to rotate the drill pipe.
Last Page
Social Media
Update
Savanna’s D&D Oilfield Rentals Website got a makeover! Take a look: http://ddoil.net
Sinker Bar: Pieces of metal rod used to weigh down the cable, to help lower it down the hole.
Sudoku Savanna passed the 1000 follower mark on LinkedIn! linkd.in/Sv3ngy
JOKEs A man telephoned the airline office and asked, “How long does it take to fly to Boston?” The clerk said, “Just a minute…” “Thank you,” the man said and hung up.
Fill the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3 box contains the numbers 1 to 9. Check back next month for the answer key.
A couple was having a discussion about what to see and do now that they were safely in Florida on their honeymoon. Trying to assert himself right off the bat, he said, “If it weren’t for my money, we wouldn’t be here at all!” The wife replied, “My dear, if it weren’t for your money, not only would we not be in Florida, we wouldn’t on a honeymoon, nor would there be any “we” in the first place.”
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Thank You!
The Oilpatch Kids organization has been helping children throughout the Permian Basin for 18 years. Oilfield companies have helped us raise funds approaching $750,000 through generous support. Please accept our warmest thanks to the employees of Savanna Energy Services for joining us in 2012 through financial and individual support! We look forward to your continued consideration.
www.oilpatchkids.org or visit us on Facebook @ Oil Patch Kids 12
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