Built from the Underground Up – Mark Savage’s Mission to Train the Next Generation of Utility Workers

In this episode of Incident Prevention’s Utility Safety Podcast, host Kate Wade sits down with Mark Savage, Marine Corps veteran and founder of DeadBreak — a specialized underground electrical training and consulting company. Mark shares his professional journey, the gaps he identified in underground utility training, and how DeadBreak aims to bridge those gaps by offering curriculum development, hands-on training, consulting, and more. From the importance of replacing tribal knowledge with formal instruction to creating future pathways for veterans and apprentices, Mark’s passion for safety and legacy shines throughout. Whether you’re in the field, hiring apprentices, or overseeing training programs, this episode is a must-listen.

Key Takeaways:

1. Underground utility training lacks standardization — and DeadBreak is working to change that.

2. Mark Savage’s military background influenced his drive for structure, clarity, and service in training.

3. DeadBreak offers custom curriculum, onsite training, manhole rescue, and consulting.

4. Veterans are an untapped, ideal workforce for underground utility work.

5. Tribal knowledge and implied instructions can pose serious safety risks.

6. Proper training isn’t just about compliance — it’s about saving lives.

Three Questions & Answers for Listeners:

Q1: Why is underground utility work often overlooked in formal training?

A: Unlike overhead systems, underground systems vary widely by region and have traditionally relied on tribal knowledge, leading to inconsistent or nonexistent training standards.

Q2: What is DeadBreak’s mission?

A: DeadBreak aims to fill the training gap in underground electrical work by offering tailored curriculum, in-person instruction, safety-based onboarding, and mobile splicing teams.

Q3: How can employers improve underground job safety right now?

A: By investing in standardized training, eliminating implied knowledge, and ensuring tools and procedures are clearly understood and taught by qualified professionals.

Get ahold of Mark Savage:

You can read the current magazine at Incident Prevention Magazine.

Subscribe to Incident Prevention Magazine – https://incident-prevention.com/subscribe-now/

Register for the iP Utility Safety Conference & Expo – https://utilitysafetyconference.com/

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