Oil and Gas account for approximately 3% of the global GDP. Petroleum products can be found in everything from personal protective equipment, packaging, and aspirin, to clothing, fuel for transportation, and even solar panels. Workers in this industry are exposed to a range of potential hazards at different production stages—whether on the electric lines, using heavy equipment, or working around flammable gases. They are also exposed to time pressure, harsh environmental conditions, and even isolation from friends and family. Each of these can affect their physical and mental health. In an environment that can place workers at risk, it’s imperative to ensure safety is not just about rules and preventative measures—it’s also a foundational value deeply embedded in an organization’s culture.

The guest for this episode is James Junkin, the CEO of Mariner-Gulf Consulting and Services, LLC, a Louisiana-based environmental, safety & health/risk management firm. Mariner Gulf was founded in response to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon (BP oil spill) disaster. A CEO turned safety professional, James has a passion and commitment to bringing workers home from high-hazard jobs and shares that passion during this discussion.