Tag Archives: alberta

Exploring Different Kinds of Oilfield Jobs

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The most recent recession is over and the oil field is booming once again – especially in the United States & Alberta – and that can only mean one thing: they’re hiring.

Whether you were laid off from an oilfield job during the downtown a few years ago, you have just finished your studies and are ready to enter the working world, or you are simply looking for a career change, there is a position in the oilfield that will suit you.

The oil and gas industry is a complex one, requiring individuals with every type of education, experience, and skillsets to fill a variety of positions essential to the successful operation of the industry.

Below, we’ve highlighted a few of the different kinds of oilfield jobs out there – and one of them is bound to be perfect for you.

Labour

Labourers encompass a large percentage of those employed in the oil and gas industry.

It is a broad category that consists of a number of different job titles and duties. The most common labour jobs include operating heavy-duty machinery, keeping up the cleaning and maintenance of worksites and equipment, and carrying out the day-to-day tasks that keep everything running smoothly, such as fitting valves or sending pigs, for example.

Transport

Without a way to transport the oil extracted from the ground from point A to, well, everywhere else, there would be no point.

While pipelines transport a lot of this oil, a large percentage of it is still transported over land – meaning that truck drivers play an important role in this industry.

Engineering

Whichever type of engineering you may have studied, the oil industry more than likely has a need for it. Many chemical engineers, electrical engineers, drilling engineers, petroleum engineers, mining engineers, and even engineering geologists are essential to the oilfield.

Every aspect of the industry, from finding the oil, creating the equipment necessary to extract it, processing the oil, etc. is all thanks to the engineers who made it possible.

Culinary

Those working and living out on offshore rigs or in remote camps need to eat – that’s where you come into play. If you are a trained chef, or even if you haven’t been formally trained but have sufficient experience working in kitchens, you can consider applying for the role of chef in one of the many remote locations oilfield workers are stationed.

Medical

The rigs can be dangerous, accidents happen every day. For this reason, every worksite is required to have medically trained staff present.

If you want to help people, but are looking for something different than the typical clinic or hospital setting, consider applying to be an oilfield medic.

Accounting

Anytime money is involved, and accountant will be needed. It’s not news that the oil and gas industry is a multi billion-dollar industry – every company, every camp, and every project that takes place will undoubtedly require someone to budget, monitor the books, prepare taxes, etc.

Accountants are integral parts of any business – any industry – and the oilfield is no exception.

Environmentalist

Now more than ever the environment is becoming a major concern, especially for the oil and gas industry, which are often the center of environmental debates. Many companies are beginning to work with environmental specialists to ensure their practices and processes have minimal negative impacts on our Earth.

Start The Hunt Today

As you can see, the oilfield is a diverse industry, employing individuals from every area of study. Regardless of what field of study you are trained or experienced in, there is more than likely a position available in the oilfield requiring exactly what you have to offer.

Give the oilfield a chance and start your job hunt today!

Fire Extinguisher Tips

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Not very many people have been properly trained in how to use a fire extinguisher. You see them everywhere you go: your workplace, your school, hopefully your home, and any public building, such as shops and restaurants. You may have an idea of how they work, but in the event that you needed to use one would you light up or sizzle out?

Below, we discuss the importance of knowing how to use a fire extinguisher, some tips to remember, and some additional training you can take if you would like to learn more.

Why It’s Important

This seems as it should be common sense. Fires pose a real danger during our day-to-day lives, whether it be at home, school, work or in public. Knowing how to react and being properly trained could mean the difference between life and death in a situation you never thought you would be in.

PASS

PASS is an acronym that makes it easier to remember the four main steps to using a fire extinguisher. If you are ever in a situation where you need to use one, follow these steps:

P: Pull the pin that unlocks the operating lever.

A: Aim low.

S: Squeeze the lever above the handle.

S: Sweep the nozzle from side to side.

Things To Know

Different types of fires require different types of fire extinguishers. Fires range of Class A to Class D, as well as a Class K.

Class A: these fires involve ordinary combustibles such as wood, cloth, or paper.

Class B: these fires involve flammable liquids, such as gasoline, oil, paints, etc.

Class C: these fires involve electrical equipment, such as power tools, fuse boxes, wiring, etc.

Class D: these fires involve combustible metals, such as magnesium or sodium.

Class K: these fires involve cooking oils used in commercial cooking equipment.

It is important to recognize what type of fire you are dealing with, as treating a fire with the wrong extinguisher may only cause more problems.

Training/Classes Available

For anyone interested in becoming more knowledgeable and prepared for any situation that may require a fire extinguisher, there are plenty of training courses and information sessions available.

These courses are great for anyone, but would be particularly important for anyone working in a public place with a higher fire hazard rate, such as a restaurant kitchen, for an individual working in a school where children’s lives may be at stake in the case of a fire, or for parents or individuals who wish to keep an extinguisher in their home.

Cool Down

Knowing how to react in the event of a fire, and how to properly use a fire extinguisher, could make a big difference for the people and structures involved. Share these tips with your family members, coworkers, and friends to ensure that all of your loved one’s and acquaintances are properly equipped to deal with any fire related emergencies they may face.

Help keep yourself and others safe; spread the word like wildfire.

Legal Corner: What Is the Definition of Impaired Driving in Alberta?

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Legal Corner: What Is the Definition of Impaired Driving in Alberta?

What is the first thing that comes to mind at the mention of impaired driving? For most people, the answer is alcohol, specifically, the act of driving while drunk. Drunk driving is, unfortunately, a common aspect of society in today’s world.

However, while most may assume that impaired refers to drunk, there are a number of “impairments” that can affect a driver’s abilities.

What Is Impaired Driving?

In Alberta, the term “impaired driving” is defined as operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

So while drunk driving is the typical assumption, the use of any drugs prior to driving is just as dangerous and just as serious of an offence.

Regardless, an impaired driving charge can change your life forever.

The Statistics (Canada)

In 2015, the number of impaired driving incidents in Canada was at it’s lowest since 1986, at a rate of 201 incidents per 100,000 person population, with 72,039 incidents in total.

A total of 4% of these incidents were drug related, being an increase from previous years.

While the statistics show a consistent decrease in impaired driving incidents, there is still a long way to go before impaired driving is no longer an issue on Canadian roads.

Impaired driving remains the leading criminal related cause of death in the country. According to MADD Canada, in 2012 58% of vehicle crash deaths involved drivers with positive alcohol and/or drug readings.

What may come as a surprise is that majority of these drivers were under the influence of drugs (rather than alcohol), with cannabis being the most common.

The Alternatives

There are so many dependable, accessible, affordable and safe alternatives that getting behind the wheel while impaired should never be a contending option.

For example, one could: call a taxi or uber; take public transportation, such as a bus or train; ensure there is a designated driver in the group; call a friend or relative for a ride; walk or bike home; spend the night (if possible) and drive home in the morning; or refrain from drinking or doing drugs altogether if driving appears to be the only option.

Conclusion

No-one deserves to lose a father, mother, child, or friend because someone else made the selfish and foolish decision to drive while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Impaired driving is never the answer.

Not only are the available alternatives safer for the individual driving, but also prevent harm from coming to innocent bystanders or other drivers on the road.

3 Successful Alberta Companies Supporting Oil & Gas In 2018

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3 Successful Alberta Companies Supporting Oil & Gas In 2018

Oil & Gas is Alberta’s largest and most vital industry. Despite the economic downturn and the decreasing price of oil and gas causing hardships throughout the industry, it is still one of the biggest and busiest in the province.

With 2018 just around the corner, the oil & gas industry is expected to see consistency and stabilization for the first time since the crash. After huge budget cuts, devastating layoffs, and numerous closures, the industry is being looked at optimistically once again.

Not only is this anticipated recovery a huge sigh of relief for the provinces many Oil & Gas companies, and the province itself, it is also drawing the attention of various companies across the province who are ready to invest in and support the industry once again.

There are many ways in which different businesses can support the Oil & Gas industry, such as providing equipment, providing services, or providing financial support. Here are 3 successful Alberta companies that are supporting Oil & Gas in 2018.

GRM Flow Products

GRM Flow Products is a Canadian company based out of Edmonton, Alberta that offers oilfield wellhead and valve parts as well as maintenance and repair services. They actively work with numerous oilfield companies to ensure their wellheads and valves are of the highest quality and are running smoothly and safely.

Acumen Capital

Acumen Capital is a Calgary based boutique investment dealer. The Vice President of Acumen, Ian Thomson, has pitched and created a fund project with the intention of supporting Alberta’s smaller oil and gas companies by aiding in drilling and exploration, but also by restoring old, inactive wells.

Blackline Safety

Blackline Safety is company from Calgary, Alberta that focuses on creating and supplying safety-monitoring products to multiple industries. They have recently introduced the “world’s first wireless gas detector with 3G wireless, two-way speakerphone and live monitoring”. Their innovative and unique products offer a new level of protection to oil and gas workers across the country.

Conclusion

Evidently, there are many Albertan companies that are prepared and willing to support the Oil & Gas industry in a number of ways in the upcoming year of 2018. These companies offer a variety of products to enhance oilfield equipment; maintenance and repair services; investment funds necessary to create new sites and restore old ones; and safety products, to ensure the safety of the industries hardest workers.

GRM Flow Products, Acumen Capital, and Blackline Safety are only three of the many companies throughout the province that are gladly supporting Alberta’s Oil & Gas industry during the industries rebuild.

References

Online Therapy: Mental Health Services For Rural Alberta

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Online Therapy: Mental Health Services For Rural Alberta

Living in a rural area can often mean having a lack of amenities, resources, and services readily available. This can be problematic if the service needed is any type of therapy, counseling, or mental aid, as anyone needing this type of help should not go without.

While depression and other mental illnesses are just as common in rural areas as they are in metropolitan areas, rural areas have exponentially less mental health services available, meaning rural residents are much less likely to receive the help they need.

With the world today being so driven by technology and revolving so heavily on the internet, it is no surprise that services such as therapy are now being offered through a variety of online methods.

These new delivery methods, known as “Online Therapy”, can be very beneficial for those living in rural areas. Don’t let your location be a barrier – learn more about this style of counselling below

What Is Online Therapy?

Online therapy is the delivery of therapy or counseling over the Internet, via formats such as email, video chatting, and instant messaging.

While online therapy has limitations, it is a great tool for anyone seeking guidance or advice, and can act as a great supplement to traditional therapy sessions as well.

How Would Rural Residents Benefit?

The main concern for Alberta rural residents in need of this service would be accessibility.

One is not likely to seek counselling if they must travel away from home to find the service. Travelling to a more urban area for a service such as therapy can be time consuming, expensive, and may not even be possible, depending on the individual’s situation, location or schedule.

By providing individuals the opportunity to connect with a therapist via email or videoconference, it alleviates the need to travel, and can also work with a more flexible schedule than traditional face-to-face sessions.

Having access to a larger pool of therapists and counselors to choose from can also benefit the individual by allowing them to choose someone more suited to aid with their situation and their needs.

Urban residents have many differences when compared to someone who has been born and raised in a rural community. Online therapy may be able to connect that individual with a therapist who has experience in rural settings or who is familiar with the area, for example.

Conclusion

Mental illness is a serious matter, and anyone in need of any aid, advice, or guidance should have access to a reputable and affordable therapy service.

Online therapy can ensure that even those living in remote or rural areas are able to connect with professionals who can give them the counseling and help they need and deserve.