Podbean Account

In this episode, we dive into Mark Savage’s recent Incident Prevention article, “What Defines a Journeyman Cable Splicer?” We explore why earning this respected title requires so much more than simply knowing how to splice a cable. We discuss the rigorous demands of a proper apprenticeship—from thousands of supervised field hours to comprehensive classroom instruction—and […]

In this episode of Mastering the Boom, host Nick sits down with industry veteran Danny Raines to discuss the fundamental safe work practices required when operating aerial devices and bucket trucks. Driven by concerning trends and social media posts, Danny reviews critical procedures—ranging from essential pre-trip inspections and lower control operations to fall protection requirements […]

In this fifth installment of the Safety by Design series, host Nick welcomes back Pam Tompkins to discuss her article, “Safety by Design: Implementation and Operation”. Focusing on the ANSI/ASSP Z10 standard, Pam breaks down how utility and safety leaders can transition from planning to real-world execution. The conversation explores bridging the gap between “work […]

In this episode, we dive into the powerful concepts behind Daniel Cooper’s article, “Coaching Courage on the Front Line.” While the electrical and utility industries have advanced equipment and rigorous training, many safety failures still stem from a lack of courage rather than a lack of knowledge. Join us as we explore the inner strength […]

In high-voltage environments, what you can’t see can kill you. While traditional open-air substations display their isolation points and energized components out in the open, enclosed switchgear conceals its dangers behind metal panels and doors. In this episode, we sit down with industry safety expert George T. Cole (CUSP, CESCP, CESW, CIT, SGE) to dissect […]

In high-voltage environments, what you can’t see can kill you. While traditional open-air substations display their isolation points and energized components out in the open, enclosed switchgear conceals its dangers behind metal panels and doors. In this episode, we sit down with industry safety expert George T. Cole (CUSP, CESCP, CESW, CIT, SGE) to dissect […]

In this episode of the Built In, Not Bolted On podcast, host Doug Hill is joined by co-host Nick to dive into the critical topic of job site preparation and equipment setup in utility operations. Prompted by evolving working conditions—such as severe air quality impacts from Canadian wildfires—the hosts discuss why safety practices must be […]

Join host Kate Wade as she sits down with Derek Sang, Senior Technical Training Manager at Bulwark Protection, to answer the utility industry’s most burning questions about protective clothing. With 25 years of experience, Derek breaks down the critical differences between flame-resistant (FR) and arc-rated (AR) garments, exposes common field errors in wearing and maintaining […]

In this episode, we dive deep into David McPeak’s article, “250 Years of Safety,” featured in the July 10th, 2026 issue of Incident Prevention magazine. We explore the staggering evolution of workplace safety, starting from the 1890s when electrical line workers faced a nearly 50% on-the-job mortality rate. Discover how financial liabilities, worker’s compensation laws, […]

Listen to Part 1: https://utilitysafety.podbean.com/e/beyond-root-cause-shifting-to-a-root-conditions-mindset-in-utility-safety-part-1-with-billy-martin-cusp/ In this 2 part series of the Utility Safety Podcast, host Nick sits down with Kate Wade and safety expert Bill Martin to challenge the traditional frameworks of incident investigation. Moving away from the “blame and shame loop” of traditional root cause analysis, the group explores the concept of “root conditions”. […]