Chevron Employee Spotlight: Vanessa Fruge

During the planning phase for recent turnarounds, I was 28 weeks pregnant, so I went to our local medical clinic to evaluate my fitness for duty because working a turnaround is more physical than a typical day at work. Performing inspections on equipment can involve crawling into tight spaces, climbing ladders, increased noise exposure and other activities in the plant. Our industrial hygienist provided me with recommendations to discuss with my doctor and supervisor to help keep me healthy and safe while performing my job responsibilities during the turnaround.

On the job, whenever I brought up concerns to my team, my co-workers were available to help me. To complete tasks that I could not physically perform in my third trimester, such as confined space entry for column inspections, I took advantage of HoloLens, which is a headset that can be worn in the field to provide me with a remote view on my iPad. My supervisor also supported my need for new maternity FRC (flame-resistant clothing). The overall support I received at this time was critical in keeping me safe and healthy during my pregnancy while enabling me to perform typical turnaround tasks. Completing a turnaround is an important milestone for any process engineer hoping to grow their capabilities, and I didn’t want to miss out on that opportunity.

This experience is consistent with the way Chevron has supported me across my career. They have allowed me to be creative and open-minded with my work – and they have encouraged me to bring my recommendations to the table. Overall, I feel very fortunate to work for a company where I do not have to choose between a thriving career and the personal experience of being a parent.

Read the full Advancing a Low Carbon Future Report

About Chevron

Chevron is one of the world’s leading integrated energy companies. We believe affordable, reliable and ever-cleaner energy is essential to achieving a more prosperous and sustainable world. Chevron produces crude oil and natural gas; manufactures transportation fuels, lubricants, petrochemicals and additives; and develops technologies that enhance our business and the industry. To advance a lower carbon future, we are focused on lowering the carbon intensity in our operations and growing our lower carbon businesses. More information about Chevron is available at www.chevron.com.