I would like to share my observations during my time as an Operator at Southern Oil (Wagga), without disclosing any identifiable information. It's important to note that the intention is not to accuse anyone but to provide constructive feedback for improvement.
Employee Selection Criteria:
In my experience, it seemed that the management might prefer individuals with a more flexible approach to work ethics. There were instances where someone was let go due to safety concerns, and another individual chose to leave as their values didn't align with the management's practices.
Ethics and High-Pressure Environments:
While certain positions may accommodate a more lenient ethical stance, it's essential to consider the implications, especially in high-pressure areas like the Hydrotreater. The challenges in getting operations started were sometimes linked to what appeared to be inadequate planning, raising concerns about personnel safety.
Reporting of Incidents:
There were instances where it seemed that reportable incidents were not consistently communicated to the relevant authorities, such as Safe Work. This lack of transparency could potentially hinder efforts to address and prevent future incidents.
Employee Selection Bias:
During the hiring process, decisions were made that appeared to favor one engineer over another. It's worth noting that the chosen engineer had admitted to a connection with questionable activities, which could impact the overall work environment.
In sharing these observations, my intent is not to cast blame but to highlight areas for potential improvement within the organization. It's crucial for the company to address these concerns proactively to ensure a safer and more ethical work environment for everyone involved.