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OCTOBER-NOVEMBER 2024 Archive



Images courtesy of CM Labs

Reduce Risk with New Strategies for Operator Training

Utilities and utility contractors highly value safety. However, labor shortages can sometimes corner field supervisors into making a judgment call about whether an equipment operator is ready for the task. If Foreman A believes an operator is ready after several weeks of training but Foreman B believes the operator still needs several months, who is […]
Figure 1 Strengths

Designing Safe and Inclusive Work Systems for a Neurodiverse Workplace

| Barb Carr |
Editor’s Note: Incident Prevention readers’ initial reaction to the following article might be, “HIPAA?” You are encouraged to check for yourself, but HIPAA – the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act – does not apply to the methodologies the author presents (see www.hhs.gov/hipaa/for-individuals/faq/index.html). Incident Prevention recognizes that the author’s work is a deeper dive into the values of human […]
goodwin article oct nov 2024

Empowering Utility Workers: Integrating Job Control and Resource Availability for Enhanced Safety

In the utility industry, workplace safety is of vital importance. Utility workers face numerous hazards daily, from working at heights and handling electrical equipment to operating in confined spaces and dealing with extreme weather conditions. To ensure the well-being of these essential workers, organizations must adopt a comprehensive approach that addresses both job characteristics and […]
jooma hoagland article oct nov 2024

Hand Protection for Electrical Shock and Arc Flash Hazards

Hand protection has evolved in recent times, perhaps making the greatest advancements in the past decade. Although the primary focus of this article is hand protection for electrical shock and arc flash hazards, it also explores the multihazard protection incorporated into newer-generation hand protection, examines safe work practices and glove testing methods, and provides updates […]

Make It Safe To …

A trainer, speaking to trainees at the start of class: “Welcome, class. You are encouraged to ask questions and participate. Remember, if you have a question, 15% to 20% of the class probably has the same question.” A trainee, a few hours later: “I have a question.” The trainee then asks the trainer a question […]

October-November 2024 Q&A

| Jim Vaughn, CUSP |
Q: We are looking for some direction and opinions regarding SF6 gas switches. The SF6 switches we use on our campus are older and starting to pose problems. Some are leaking and others are very difficult to operate. Can you help? A: Sulfur hexafluoride, or SF6, isn’t a topic or problem we can effectively deal with […]

The Meter Base Checkout Procedure

To emphasize the critical importance of the meter base checkout procedure, this installment of “Voice of Experience” will cover the proper procedures for (1) checking out a meter base before setting a self-contained meter on new services and (2) resetting a meter after it has been removed and the base has not been in use. […]

Trailers, Brakes and Common Usage Errors

I perform audits of both utilities and contractors. When I work with them to do those audits, we include trucks and trailers. The trailers I’m talking about here are not the box vans behind tractors, but the general-duty trailers used to haul trenchers, backhoes, wire reels and padmount transformers. It’s no surprise that the trailer […]