Tag: Featured

Variabilities in Electrical Arc Flash Protection

Written by Zarheer Jooma, P.E., Brian Shiels and Stacy Klausing, M.S. on June 10, 2025. Posted in Safety Management, Worksite Safety.

Accuracies are synonymous with safety and science. While many perceive that electrical safety needs to be highly exact, this article aims at creating awareness of why sticking to the basics is effective. But before we delve into variability in electrical engineering, safe electrical work practices and electrical PPE, here is a brief story my second-year engineering physics professor shared when I was in school: A person stands in the center of a boxing ring; their soulmate stands in the corner. The person in the center is only allowed to walk toward their soulmate in discrete steps defined...

From Risk to Reliability: Improving Rope Safety in Energized Environments

Written by Patrick Barry on June 10, 2025. Posted in Worksite Safety.

The tools and equipment employed by electrical workers must possess the necessary insulating properties to ensure user safety. One such tool, dielectric rope, can be overlooked as a component of electrical safety, but modern standards and rigorous testing protocols are transforming the way this type of rope is designed, used and maintained. The transition from use of traditional synthetic ropes (e.g., double-braided polyester or polypropylene with wax or overlay finishes) – which can absorb contaminants and moisture, thereby significantly reducing their insulating properties – to dielectric...

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Built In, Not Bolted On: Using Safety to Drive Operational Excellence

Written by Doug Hill, CUSP on June 10, 2025. Posted in Safety Management, Leadership Development.

Employers in the electric utility industry are currently working on initiatives in various areas of their businesses, including safety, quality, production, leadership, and human and organizational performance (HOP). These are important programs, but it’s unlikely they’ll fully achieve their intended objectives if employees don’t have a firm grasp on how these various aspects of work impact one another – and the ideal order in which they should be addressed. As someone who has spent a great deal of time studying HOP and teaching its principles to others, I understand that part of the...

Beyond the ABCs: Fall Protection for Unique Tasks

Written by Mike Starner, CUSP, CHST on April 12, 2025. Posted in Safety Management, Worksite Safety.

The electric transmission and distribution (T&D) industry often requires work in challenging environments. Whether crew members access tall structures by helicopter, use rope-access methods to climb lattice towers, or ride wire carts to install and maintain spacers along energized lines, their approach goes beyond standard ground-based operations. These specialized techniques can speed up projects, minimize ground disturbance – especially on protected and sensitive land – and reduce the need for site preparation (e.g., building roads). Yet all of them present complex fall hazards. Many...

Using the Prediction Model to Prevent Incidents and Near-Misses

Written by Bill Martin, CUSP, NRP, RN, DIMM on April 12, 2025. Posted in Worksite Safety.

As someone employed in the electric utility industry, would you be willing to consider that there may be incident prevention strategies yet to be discovered and tested? Are you open to the idea that a better model could exist to create change in our industry – change that could reduce or even eliminate significant injuries and fatalities (SIFs)? If so, I encourage you to read further. Here’s a logical equation many of us were taught in school: If A equals B and B equals C, then A equals C. Tell me, do you believe the organization you work for takes a logical approach to workplace safety?...

Making the Safety Connection: The Impact of Total Well-Being in the Workplace

Written by Summer Rae on April 12, 2025. Posted in Safety Management, Leadership Development.

Utility workers perform essential tasks that touch millions of lives every day. The critical nature of the services they provide coupled with the perilous nature of their tasks exposes these workers to life-threatening hazards. This is why the industry highly values and prioritizes safety. Many utility companies operating today have made significant strides in improving their safety culture. Critical risk management programs and a human performance mindset have become increasingly common as organizational leaders more fully understand the link between human behavior and risk. These...

Optimizing Arc Flash Protection: The Crucial Role of Layered Clothing

Written by Derek Sang, CSHEP, QSSP on February 14, 2025. Posted in Worksite Safety.

Given the arc flash hazards and other risks that exist in electric utility work environments, an employer’s commitment to employee safety must never falter. It is essential for workers to wear personal protective equipment in these environments; in particular, prior to exposure, workers must don flame-resistant (FR) or arc-rated (AR) garments that meet or exceed assessed incident energy levels. And while single-layer FR/AR garments are common in the utility industry, it’s important to recognize that they can fall short in areas such as weight, heat retention and comfort. Additionally,...

The Roadmap to Gaining Senior Leader Buy-In for Safety Initiatives

Written by Sharon Lipinski, Wesley L. Wheeler, SMS, CESCP, MSP, and Keith Wheeler on February 14, 2025. Posted in Safety Management, Leadership Development.

In a recent survey we conducted, 97% of safety professionals who responded confirmed that gaining senior leader buy-in for their safety programs was either very important or extremely important to them. This research project was a joint effort between the National Electrical Contractors Association, HR Resources of the Carolinas LLC and Habit Mastery Consulting, with the purpose of discovering the secrets to gaining greater senior leadership support for safety initiatives. Our research included surveying 128 safety professionals and conducting in-depth interviews with 15 deeply experienced...

‘The Worst Day of My Life’

Written by Alan Drew on February 14, 2025. Posted in Worksite Safety.

This story is about a devastating accident that took the life of one of my best friends many years ago. I have always been somewhat reluctant to speak or write about it because dealing with my friend’s family in the aftermath of his death was extremely painful. As time has marched on, however, I’ve found myself thinking it’s time to share the details of the accident with other lineworkers in hopes of helping them avoid and prevent similar accidents in the future. Background During my high school years in Salinas, California, I became friends with a fellow student by the name of David...

Equipment Stabilization Considerations for Utility Operations

Written by Kris Koberg on December 12, 2024. Posted in Worksite Safety, Equipment Operations.

Utility workers face numerous challenges in their quest to build, maintain and improve infrastructure. One significant yet sometimes overlooked challenge is the risk associated with equipment instability. Crucial aspects of equipment setup include stabilization of the machine and selection of appropriate supporting materials – such as outrigger pads and cribbing blocks – to enhance work-site safety. Case Study: EnergyUnited From busy roadsides to uneven terrain and unstable surfaces, utility workers are no strangers to operating in precarious environments. These conditions can increase the...

An Inextricable Link: The Safety Benefits of Holistic Wellness in the Workplace

Written by Mark L. Morgan on December 12, 2024. Posted in Leadership Development.

There is an inextricable link between employee safety and mental and physical wellness that is often overlooked. Taking a holistic view of your employees includes looking wholly at each person to better understand and address their mental and physical health challenges and related distractions that can affect their personal safety and the safety of others. Additionally, demonstrating you care about your employees’ well-being can translate into improved morale, engagement, productivity, and recruitment and retention. At its foundation, your employee safety program should be viewed as an act...

Introducing the USMWF: A Powerful Ally for the Utility Industry

Written by John "Scotty" MacNeill, CUSP on December 12, 2024. Posted in Worksite Safety.

In the world of utility work, where daily tasks often involve inherent risks, the need for a robust support system for workers’ safety and welfare cannot be overstated. This is where the United Support & Memorial for Workplace Fatalities (USMWF) comes in. Established with a mission to honor the memories of fallen workers and advocate for safe workplaces, the USMWF has made remarkable strides in raising awareness, supporting families affected by workplace tragedies and driving meaningful change. But what exactly does this organization offer to the utility industry, and why should...

Reduce Risk with New Strategies for Operator Training

Written by Alan Limoges on October 1, 2024. Posted in Worksite Safety, Equipment Operations.

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 right? Training directors can support their field supervisors by objectively preparing operators to be ready for hazardous or complex work. Images courtesy of CM Labs When time is of the essence, especially during storm response to return power...

Designing Safe and Inclusive Work Systems for a Neurodiverse Workplace

Written by Barb Carr on October 1, 2024. Posted in Safety Management.

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 performance recognition. The information presented can improve training and analysis by properly accommodating individual human...

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

Written by Andrew J. Goodwin, M.Sc., CSP, CRSP, CHMM, CFPS, RS/REHS, CUSP on October 1, 2024. Posted in Safety Management.

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 resource availability. By integrating the Job Demands-Control (JDC) model and the Conservation of Resources (COR) theory, utility companies can create a safer and more supportive work environment that...

Hand Protection for Electrical Shock and Arc Flash Hazards

Written by Hugh Hoagland and Zarheer Jooma, BSEE, M.S. on October 1, 2024. Posted in Worksite Safety.

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 on international standards work. A few decades ago, hand protection consisted of leather gloves (mostly cowhide) used mainly for mechanical protection. Hand protection evolved to address specific hazards, such as...

Qualification testing can only be done with an AC testing machine. The test is conducted by qualified service personnel anytime the fiberglass boom section is modified or replaced. A written record of all dielectric tests should be maintained, including both the date and the signature of the person who performed the test.

Dielectric Testing for Insulating Aerial Devices

Written by Jim Olson and Craig Ries on August 21, 2024. Posted in Worksite Safety, Equipment Operations.

Insulating aerial devices and digger derricks are used to provide a level of protection to their operators and ground personnel who work around energized power lines. Following established safe work procedures is critical, as is testing and maintaining the equipment so that it continues to provide the insulation users expect. You cannot simply look at a unit to determine if it will provide the insulation expected; it must be tested. Qualification testing can only be done with an AC testing machine. The test is conducted by qualified service personnel anytime the fiberglass boom section is...

Assessing and Mitigating Risk in Helicopter Line Work

Written by Jenn Miller on August 21, 2024. Posted in Worksite Safety.

Aerial line work using helicopters is a proven method utilized in our industry to perform certain tasks safely and efficiently. Helicopters have supported the utility industry since 1947. Operators conducting aerial work in support of the utility industry encounter different hazards due to various flight profiles, terrain, infrastructure and weather environments. Aerial work concerning the utility industry exposes aircraft and operators to the same hazards of any aircraft that operates at low altitudes and slow speeds. The first step of a safety system approach to mitigating risk is to...

Training Considerations for Active Shooter Response Programs

Written by Jim Willis, CMAS, CHS-V on August 21, 2024. Posted in Safety Management.

Active shooter response training for utility professionals is a subject that shouldn’t be ignored. However, few subjects are as challenging or controversial. For decades, active shooter response training has been touted as a one-size-fits-all remedy that instills long-lasting, actionable survival skills in one easy application. In reality, off-the-shelf training programs seldom deliver on promises. Training is often poorly delivered cookie-cutter sessions that focus on the wrong messaging and outcomes. Active shooter response programs are fraught with complications and issues that, if left...

Beyond the Physical Toll: The Collateral Damage of Safety Incidents

Written by Shawn Galloway on August 21, 2024. Posted in Safety Management.

While leading a recent workshop at a client location, the introductions began by individually discussing how incidents at work have affected us. One story shared left an impact on all in attendance. Fifteen years ago, an employee suffered what at the time seemed like a simple and small fracture to their leg after a fall. What resulted was a total of 12 surgeries, and the employee’s wife became addicted to the opioids he was prescribed. Tragically, she passed away due to her addiction. Workplace injuries and incidents can have far-reaching consequences that extend beyond the immediate...

Innovations in FR/AR Clothing: Elevating Comfort for Optimal Performance

Written by Derek Sang, CSHEP, QSSP, and Allison Bloodworth on June 17, 2024. Posted in Worksite Safety.

In the utility industry, the reliance on flame-resistant (FR) and arc-rated (AR) garments has been a longstanding practice to safeguard workers against arc flashes and flash fires. Crafted from specially engineered, self-extinguishing fabrics and adhering to stringent testing standards, these garments play a crucial role in preventing or minimizing the severity of injuries. You should know that single-layer FR/AR clothing does not trap heat or restrict heat removal any more than regular non-FR clothing does. A person primarily sheds heat through evaporation of sweat once the air temperature...

DOT Compliance Considerations for Electric Utilities

Written by Dan Greer on June 17, 2024. Posted in Safety Management, Equipment Operations.

The roar of diesel engines fills the midnight air as a crew of linemen prepares to depart for a critical repair job. Their trucks are loaded with tools and equipment, ready to tackle a downed power line that lies miles away. But before they hit the open road, there’s one crucial hurdle to clear: ensuring that their vehicles and the way they operate them comply with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations. Electric utility providers operate a complex network of vehicles, from bucket trucks scaling towering heights to service vans navigating city streets. Each vehicle plays...

Ergonomics for a Multigenerational Workforce

Written by Kevin Lombardo on June 17, 2024. Posted in Safety Management.

Gray wave. Silver tsunami. Population aging. We’ve all heard the names and metaphors, and experts have talked about the phenomenon for years. In 2024, it’s truly upon us: The population, both in the United States and abroad, is getting older, with major implications for the workforce and how employers manage it. But these descriptors don’t capture the full reality of the situation. Today’s workforce, which is older on average than in previous decades, is also more diverse than ever, including members of as many as five generations born across nearly a century. So, while researchers have...

The Transformative Impact of Training for Frontline Managers

Written by Sharon Lipinski on June 17, 2024. Posted in Leadership Development.

Frontline managers are crucial because they bridge organizational goals and frontline employees. They significantly influence workplace dynamics and performance outcomes. In this context, my company surveyed 110 safety professionals and interviewed 10 safety professionals across various industries – including construction, utility, wind energy, public works and manufacturing – to gain insights into the current state of frontline leadership skill development within organizations. Our research reveals that the significance of frontline leadership skills cannot be overstated, as highlighted by...

Five Core Capacities for Sustainable Safety Excellence

Written by Shawn Galloway on April 14, 2024. Posted in Safety Management.

Does your organization have the capacity to achieve sustainable excellence in safety performance and culture? For excellence to become a reality in any important area of operations, especially safety, there are five vital capacities that organizations must develop, monitor and synergize to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced and ever-changing world: system, leadership, engagement, cultural and strategic. Based on extensive cross-industry research and decades of experience leading change in all major industries, this article introduces the model titled “Five Core Capacities for Sustainable...

Solar Backfeed Safety on Distribution and Secondary Circuits

Written by Jerone Mabe on April 14, 2024. Posted in Worksite Safety.

Editor’s Note: This timely article specifically addresses the contemporary issue of green-energy backfeed endangering power-line workers. Unlike engine-powered backup generators, green energy makes no telltale noise to alert workers to its presence and possible hazards. Incident Prevention encourages all employers to assess the risks related to backup energy sources and adopt effective storm-work hazard analysis, isolation and other protective procedures for worker safety. It is night and you are working storm trouble on a single-phase line. The line fuse is blown, and you find wire down....

An Experiment in Crew Member Engagement

Written by Cheryl Richardson on April 14, 2024. Posted in Safety Management, Worksite Safety.

I don’t talk about myself a lot – I listen. I developed this skill after taking on a leadership position with a utility contractor in an industry I knew nothing about. My work history prior to this role included management in pretty much every industry except utilities. In each of my previous jobs, I strived to learn and advance from an entry-level position. In this new position, I no longer had the advantage of knowing how the company ran from the ground up; I had to trust and depend on others to help me. It did not take me long to realize that safety is the most important priority in this...

Skid-Steer Loaders: Hazard Awareness and Recommended Safety Practices

Written by Charles Keeling, CUSP on April 14, 2024. Posted in Worksite Safety, Equipment Operations.

In 2009, OSHA published a safety and health information bulletin in part because of the seriousness of injuries that have occurred with skid-steer loaders (see www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/shib011209.pdf). Similarly, NIOSH published an alert in December 2010 in response to the hazards and serious injuries that have occurred with these machines (see www.cdc.gov/niosh/docs/2011-128/default.html). In their published documents, the two agencies aim to make employers and employees aware of the need to review and follow manufacturer instructions regarding proper use of skid-steer...

Getting to the Heart of At-Risk Behaviors with Facilitative Learning

Written by Joseph White on February 22, 2024. Posted in Safety Management, Leadership Development.

In a recent workshop with a client in southeast Louisiana, a breakout session reached a tipping point. The rhythmic flow of dialogue among the seven supervisors in the group found an unscripted but purposeful path of its own. The task given to the group involved identifying at-risk behaviors or shortcuts likely to occur in their work environment. Participants were also asked to discuss motives for the identified behaviors and strategies for shifting perspectives regarding them. The intent of the three-part exercise, which was deliberately constructed to achieve the resulting outcome, was to...

FR/AR Apparel Use: Are Your Workers Properly Trained?

Written by Scott Francis on February 22, 2024. Posted in Worksite Safety.

Many workers in the utilities space bravely put their personal safety at risk every day on the job. Facing potential hazards such as arc flashes, flash fires and unpredictable elements of nature, these workers’ personal protective equipment – particularly their garments – is their last line of defense. However, proper apparel use can sometimes be overlooked or deprioritized, putting workers at greater risk of injury. Whether you’re responsible for a few employees or 1,000, getting your team properly trained in the appropriate use of flame-resistant and arc-rated (FR/AR) apparel helps...

ESG: Health and Safety Obstacle or Opportunity?

Written by John Fischer on February 22, 2024. Posted in Safety Management, Leadership Development.

Over the past few years, much has been written and discussed about the role of environmental, social and governance, commonly referred to as ESG. Investors and customers are increasingly applying these nonfinancial factors as part of their analysis process to identify material risks and growth opportunities in the companies they decide to invest in. According to research from the Weinreb Group, in publicly held U.S. companies, the position described as chief sustainability officer has grown from 29 such officers in 2011 to 183 in 2023 (see...

Pattern Disruption: Don’t Start with ‘Why’

Written by Bill Martin, CUSP, NRP, RN, DIMM on February 22, 2024. Posted in Safety Management, Leadership Development.

In the northern latitudes, Mother Nature is deeply vested in a cycle of pattern disruption. The four seasons change the ecosystems and habitats. As the seasons shift in New York, the lake that I live on moves from a warm thermocline with colder layers on the bottom and warmer water on top to the opposite. In the coldest months, the top of the lake freezes entirely. The ground freezes, too, while the monarch butterflies leave and many of the birds fly south. But even those pattern disruptions – the four seasons – become a rhythm, an expected ritual during which we trade lawnmowers for...

Safety and Innovation Lead the Way at San Diego Gas & Electric

Written by Kate Wade on December 21, 2023. Posted in Safety Management.

“Safety and innovation are one and the same.” That was among the opening remarks delivered by San Diego Gas & Electric personnel during the recent Safety Innovation Tour held at the utility’s Skills Training Center in the Serra Mesa neighborhood of the city. And certainly, SDG&E continues to focus on thinking and moving forward in ways that will help to bolster the safety of both their workers and the public. That was apparent throughout the tour – a highlight of the most recent iP Utility Safety Conference & Expo (https://utilitysafetyconference.com) – during which nearly 100...

‘It’s a Wonderful Life’: Acknowledging and Safeguarding Our Blessings

Written by Mark Todd on December 21, 2023. Posted in Worksite Safety.

In the classic 1946 film “It’s a Wonderful Life,” Jimmy Stewart plays the role of George Bailey. Due to a series of unfortunate events, George makes a desperate attempt to right the things that have turned his world upside down. He even says that maybe things would be better if he had never been born. George then gets to witness what the world would be like if he had never been born. He sees many events that would have taken place differently because he was not there. In the end, George can see all the good his life has brought to others. He sees what a wonderful life he’s had. Fast-forward...

‘Avocado Hand’ and Scaling the Safety Message

Written by Jeffrey Sullivan on December 21, 2023. Posted in Worksite Safety.

Avocado toast has become all the rage at restaurants and on social media posts over the past several years. I eat it; it is delectable. You make it by toasting some bread, adding some ripe avocado and maybe some salt, and then maybe some tomatoes or sprouts. Easy, right? Now, I want you to think of making this dish, but consider it from a safety angle. Avocado toast can be a hazardous dish to prepare. You must toast bread, which is a potential fire hazard, and you have to cut open an avocado. Unfortunately, people sometimes do this by holding the avocado in their hand, which can result in...

The Health and Safety Plan: A Project Management Tool

Written by Charles Keeling, CUSP on December 21, 2023. Posted in Safety Management.

A health and safety plan, or HASP, can be a valuable project management tool. It is a working document intended to help prevent workplace injuries, illnesses and deaths, as well as equipment and facility damage, by detailing the tasks involved in a project, identifying the project’s specific hazards and describing all mitigation procedures to be implemented. In this article, we will review some of the most important sections to be included in a HASP: hazard identification and controls; the general project work plan; emergency response; incident reporting; communications; regulatory...

Using Flame-Resistant and Arc-Rated Clothing to Mitigate Cold Stress

Written by Derek Sang, CSHEP, QSSP on September 15, 2023. Posted in Worksite Safety.

Workers in the electric utility industry face various hazards, and in cooler climates, this includes potential cold stress. Cold stress occurs when the skin’s temperature drops, lowering internal body temperature and inhibiting the body’s ability to warm itself. If unchecked, exposure to cold can lead to several medical conditions, including trench foot, chilblains, frostbite and hypothermia. Flame-resistant (FR) and arc-rated (AR) garments can be worn by workers to help protect them from both cold stress and potential burn injuries due to arc flashes and flash fires. Employers must ensure...

Nurturing Strong Leadership: An Approach to Professional Development in Skilled Trades

Written by Nathan Boutwell, M.Eng., CSP, SMS, CIT, CUSP, and Mike Starner, CUSP, CHST on September 15, 2023. Posted in Leadership Development.

Strong leadership is essential for the success and well-being of a company. Effective leaders play a vital role in setting the course, motivating employees, fostering a positive work culture and making critical decisions that steer the organization toward its goals. In our industry, leaders face significant challenges due to substantial growth, an aging workforce and concerns about the impact of both on operations. The need for professional development is a crucial item for workers in the skilled trades who will assume leadership roles. This development is necessary to help the next...

Employee-in-Charge Requirements

Written by Pam Tompkins, CSP, CUSP on September 15, 2023. Posted in Safety Management.

When was the last time your organization discussed or highlighted the importance of the employee in charge (EIC)? The EIC has the responsibility to ensure job site success, so it is one of the most important job functions within your company. And because electric power workers perform jobs with extremely high-risk hazards that require successful planning and execution, organizations must assess whether they have equipped employees with the knowledge, skills, tools, responsibility and accountability required to successfully implement EIC duties. The electric power industry continues to...

Direct Current Hazards and Protection Strategies

Written by Zarheer Jooma, Hugh Hoagland, Brian Shiels on September 15, 2023. Posted in Safety Management.

Protection from direct current (DC) arcs is the latest trend in electrical safety. The growth of commercial and personal electric vehicles (EVs), photovoltaics (PVs), battery backups and grid storage systems makes refreshers necessary. This article introduces some of the DC fundamentals so that end users can build on these concepts to optimize existing electrical safety programs. It will explain the various DC sources, hazards, applicable safety standards and protection strategies. Direct Current Sources DC is produced from PVs or solar panels, batteries and smart power electronic devices...

New 2023 Products to Watch

Written by Kate Wade on September 15, 2023. Posted in Industry Events.

Photo Credit: Youngstown Glove Youngstown FR Fleece Ground Glove (Booth S3159) Youngstown’s FR Fleece Ground Glove is a durable and dexterous winter glove designed for cool and cold weather use. It is not designed for freezing temperatures but for the more common cold experienced throughout most of the U.S. in the winter months. By targeting cold but not freezing temperatures, we were able to design this glove in a way that maintains excellent dexterity. The glove is a double layer of leather sewn into an ergonomic, 3D glove pattern. The base layer is a water-resistant goat grain, and...

The Art of Safety – Unnormalizing Deviation

Written by David McPeak, CUSP, CIT, CHST, CSP, CSSM on September 15, 2023. Posted in Frontline Fundamentals.

Given the predictable nature of hazards, how and why do incidents occur? Think about this: If I know the winning numbers ahead of a lottery drawing, it’s simple for me to be 100% successful at winning the lottery money. So, if we know how hazards are going to act and how they cause harm, why aren’t we 100% successful at safety? It’s because we don’t fully grasp and utilize the Art of Safety, or how and why you must understand, lead, develop and protect people. That’s why I wrote the book “Frontline Incident Prevention – The Hurdle: Innovative and Practical Insights on the Art of Safety” and...

Harnessing AI: Crafting the Future of Safety Professionals

Written by Barry Nelson on August 18, 2023. Posted in Safety Management.

In an ever-evolving world, technological advancements have the potential to transform industries and revolutionize the way we approach safety. Among the many emerging applications of artificial intelligence (AI), one particular use case stands out: the ability to listen to and analyze tens of thousands of daily tailboard conversations to determine their effectiveness in achieving desired outcomes. Consider this example: A prominent utility company in the Southeast conducts thousands of tailboard meetings every day, recording these vital planning discussions through a simple video...

Tip of the Spear: A Tactical Approach to Safety Leadership

Written by Rod Courtney, CUSP on August 18, 2023. Posted in Leadership Development.

Leadership is defined as the action of leading a group or organization; it’s a verb. It’s also a skill that is extremely fluid. Leadership style can change depending on the person and the situation, but all effective leaders have some common qualities. When I developed the list below, I initially came up with 68 possible qualities, and while I know each of them has some merit, I eventually narrowed down the list to these 16 qualities that I believe are nonnegotiable. 1. Ability to effectively communicate 2. Ability to influence 3. Ability to inspire 4. Respect and trust (gives and earns)...

Planning for Emergencies: How to Increase Survivability When Someone Gets Hurt

Written by Lito Wilkins, CUSP on August 18, 2023. Posted in Safety Management, Worksite Safety.

Most of us never plan for an accident to occur on the job site, and there is no way we can know how an individual or crew will respond to the trauma of seeing a teammate injured or killed. That’s something I learned when my crew watched me take the combined induction from two energized 500,000-volt circuits for roughly 30 seconds. The incident tested the crew’s emergency preparedness, and in my opinion, we could have done better. Yes, I survived. But the choices made after my high-voltage contact could have proven deadly had my injuries been more significant. Some Background On the morning...

The Art of Safety: Self-Reliance

Written by David McPeak, CUSP, CIT, CHST, CSP, CSSM on August 18, 2023. Posted in Safety Management, Frontline Fundamentals.

Strengthening the Substation Fence

Written by Jim Willis, CMAS, CHS-V on May 19, 2023. Posted in Safety Management, Worksite Safety.

People have finally discovered one of the best unkept secrets in America: Our utility systems can be attacked, and it doesn’t take military tacticians to pull it off. Activists have recently renewed calls for more attacks that disrupt essential utility services and create chaos. Previously, terrorist groups focused on disabling the bulk power grid by attacking assets such as Pacific Gas & Electric’s Metcalf transmission substation. Now, their target list has grown to include distribution substations and the critical infrastructure of small and midsized utilities. This new strategy aims...

Overcoming the Illusion of Safety

Written by Bill Martin, CUSP, NRP, RN, DIMM on May 19, 2023. Posted in Leadership Development.

There are striking similarities in how we respond to incidents, injuries and fatalities in our industry. Safety stand-downs are held. Utilities and contractors conduct incident investigations that are typically wrapped up with action items that need to be handled. But consider this: Is everything we do in the wake of an incident truly effective in preventing future incidents? Let’s take it one step further. Are all the things we’re doing on a daily basis helping to ensure employee safety, or do we sometimes simply check a box, satisfy a requirement and tell ourselves we’re making the job...

Preventing Struck-By Incidents in Utility Construction

Written by Mike Starner, CUSP, CHST on May 19, 2023. Posted in Safety Management, Worksite Safety.

Anatomically modern humans emerged over 100,000 years ago. For the bulk of that time, the environment in which we lived didn’t change much or very quickly. Now, think about how much the world has changed in just the last 100 years. One interesting thing to consider is how modern human innovation has continued to overcome innate human deficiencies. We control the environment around us now more than ever, including the way we travel, the way we enjoy the arts, the way we grow our food, the way we care for our sick and injured, and – to bring this point home – the way we protect ourselves....

The Quail Effect: An Indicator of Safety Culture

Written by Joshua Reilly, SMS, CIT, CUSP on May 19, 2023. Posted in Safety Management.

It is not uncommon for a flock of birds, such as quail, to scatter when people get too close to them. This sometimes happens on work sites, too, but instead of birds, it’s workers who scatter when they see safety personnel show up on their job site. A lot can be said about an organization’s safety culture by observing how employees in the field respond to the arrival of safety personnel. Think about it: Do your crews run for cover when they see Safety arrive at the job site? Do they suddenly go on break until Safety leaves? If so, this typically indicates a problem with the organization’s...

Powered Ascenders in the Utility Space

Written by Ty Fenton on April 17, 2023. Posted in Worksite Safety, Equipment Operations.

With the variety of ascenders available, crews have another option for use in difficult access scenarios.

Eyes on the Wire: The Year of Actively Caring

Written by Addy Apesos on April 17, 2023. Posted in Safety Management, Worksite Safety.

Georgia Power’s new program brings company retirees back into the field to leverage their experience and empower the newest wave of lineworkers.

Image courtesy of Emerson Electric - Greenlee

Using Power Tools in the Bucket

Written by Ryan Berg and Jim Olson on April 17, 2023. Posted in Worksite Safety.

Hydraulically powered tools were once the only option available, but trends are changing and options for battery-powered equipment are expanding.

7 Secrets of Root Cause Analysis

Written by Mark Paradies and Alex Paradies on April 17, 2023. Posted in Safety Management.

Subject matter experts provide tips to help improve your organization’s analyses.

Matted Surfaces: Safety Considerations and Controls

Written by Nathan Boutwell, M.Eng., CSP, SMS, CIT, CUSP; Nick Powers; and Bill Hinrichs, CUSP on February 18, 2023. Posted in Worksite Safety.

It’s a busy time in our industry. We have challenges associated with normal operations and maintenance of the grid. We’re also faced with new and increasing work involving distributed generation, vehicle charging infrastructure and major transmission projects. Both existing and emerging work require access to the respective work areas, and with this comes the associated hazards of off-road access work. As an industry, we talk about the electrical hazards of our work all the time, and we should. But we don’t spend a lot of time talking about access work hazards before and after the...

Gauges How to Measure Safety February 23

Gauges: How Do You Measure Safety?

Written by Dwight Miller, CLCP, CUSP on February 18, 2023. Posted in Safety Management, Leadership Development.

The small utility had just lost two journeymen linemen to contractors, and they needed replacements who could hit the ground running. So, the company held some interviews and hired two seasoned journeymen.

Industry trends to improve worker readiness feburary23

Industry Trends and Solutions to Improve Worker Readiness

Written by Kyle Schmoyer and Kris Corbett on February 18, 2023. Posted in Safety Management.

The moral and legal obligations to provide workers with a safe workplace are just two of the reasons companies should want to keep their employees safe. However, another big motivator for businesses is how extraordinarily disruptive and costly workplace accidents, injuries and illnesses are for their operations. For example, Liberty Mutual estimated that U.S. employers paid over $1 billion per week in workers’ compensation for disabling workplace injuries in 2018 (see www.osha.gov/businesscase). The actual price of work-related injuries and deaths is much more than just workers’...

Sustainability Considerations When Evaluating FR/AR Apparel February 23

3 Sustainability Considerations When Evaluating FR/AR Apparel

Written by Josh Moody on February 18, 2023. Posted in Worksite Safety.

Flame-resistant (FR) and arc-rated (AR) apparel are garments specifically designed to protect the wearer from the hazards of flame and heat, including arc flash and flash fire. This type of personal protective equipment (PPE) is most commonly worn by workers in high-risk industries such as electric utilities, welding, and oil and gas. Donning of FR/AR apparel is one of the most essential practices in place for protecting workers from the flame and heat hazards they may encounter on the job. However, this type of clothing also has a significant impact on the environment. As legislation and...

Increasing Safety Through Underground Integrity Management

Written by Daniel Patseavouras, CPTM on December 16, 2022. Posted in Safety Management.

The utility sector is at a higher risk of serious injuries and fatalities (SIFs) when compared to construction, manufacturing and mining, according to a 2018 study by DEKRA Organizational Safety & Reliability (see www.dekra.us/en/higher-serious-injuries-and-fatalities-sif-exposure-rate-in-utilities-sector-than-other-industries/). The study found that 30% of the SIFs in the utility industry are the result of motor vehicle incidents and another 28% are attributed to line-of-fire or struck-by incidents. Those are sobering statistics, but they help frame what’s possible in the realm of...

6-Step Method for Safety Harness Inspections

Written by Rick Pedley on December 16, 2022. Posted in Worksite Safety.

Your PPE can protect you if it’s in good working order and used properly, and this is especially true of fall protection gear. All gear should be inspected before use because a deficiency can be dangerous. Damaged or defective equipment should be immediately removed from service, as should equipment that’s been used in a fall. Anything that compromises the ability of the gear to protect someone from a future fall is a potential risk. Harnesses and safety lanyards cannot be repaired; any damage to them means the entire unit is too dangerous to use. During inspections, the components of a...

A Targeted Approach to Safety Gap Analysis

Written by Thomas Arnold, CSP, CUSP, and Michael Anderson, CSP, CUSP on December 16, 2022. Posted in Safety Management.

Does a gap exist between lagging indicator performance and the reliability of industry companies’ safety systems? The bad news is that our work in the industry has led us to believe the short answer to that question is yes. The good news is that our work in the industry has led us to develop an approach that makes gap analysis an effective tool to improve safety system reliability for companies within the utility construction industry. Our Approach Our approach to gap analysis began when working with a large utility company to help contractors struggling with safety performance. These...

Influencing Crew Safety

Written by Bill Martin, CUSP, NRP, RN, DIMM on December 16, 2022. Posted in Worksite Safety.

Influence sways our beliefs and our direction in life. We are swayed by the news, public opinion, social media, our family and friends, and by some things we don’t even know are influencing us. In the utility industry, this begs the question: How do we as leaders go about influencing those around us in ways that will help to make us safer? What types of influence might resonate with the workforce? Influential Actions Our approach to influencing any crew or situation matters. Let’s say there is a pressing tactical matter on a job or a change in scope that needs to be discussed. Since that...

Crash Analysis: A Personal Story

Written by Jim Vaughn, CUSP on December 16, 2022. Posted in Train the Trainer 101.

I started the analysis almost right away out of habit. Actually, “right away” means later that day. First, we had to escape the burning truck. That was easier said than done because we were all unconscious from the impact.

Advancing Workforce Skills Using Simulation-Based Training

Written by Christa Fairchild on September 29, 2022. Posted in Worksite Safety, Equipment Operations.

Like nearly all industries that require skilled workers, the electrical utility industry currently faces the challenge of having enough trained and qualified workers to meet demand and changing market conditions. According to a 2020 U.S. Energy and Employment Report (see www.usenergyjobs.org), all energy sectors reported hiring difficulties: “Lack of experience, training, or technical skills were again cited as the top reasons for hiring difficulty by employers across all five surveyed sectors. The need for technical training and certifications was also frequently cited, implying the need...

Thermal Protection for Electrical Work

Written by Zarheer Jooma, P.E., Brian Shiels and Stacy Klausing, M.S. on September 29, 2022. Posted in Safety Management.

Thermal protective apparel for electrical work appears to have reached a point of inflection from “What needs to be done?” to “How can it be improved?” Looking at the safety standards recently approved for publication,

Understanding Wind Speed Limitations on Utility Equipment

Written by Jim Olson on September 29, 2022. Posted in Worksite Safety, Equipment Operations.

The question about what’s permitted for operating aerial devices and digger derricks in high winds is one that comes up frequently with users. Utility crews often must deal with working in wind. Trouble trucks responding during storm recovery, transmission operations to place visibility balls on lines and working above rooflines in urban locations are just a few examples. Plus, some areas of the country experience high winds regularly or seasonally. While OSHA restricts use of material-handling aerial devices and digger derricks in winds greater than 30 mph, the reality is that both OSHA –...

The 8 Habits of a Highly Effective Safety Culture

Written by Rod Courtney, CUSP on September 29, 2022. Posted in Safety Management.

I began writing my new book – “The 8 Habits of a Highly Effective Safety Culture” – in 2004 while working as a civilian contractor for Kellogg Brown & Root in Iraq. I was the area HSE manager for a large portion of the Logistical Civilian Augmentation Program #3 Project. Our contract required us to hire a certain percentage of local national employees (Iraqis) to help build bases for the U.S. military and coalition forces. This was to help the local economy and to teach the Iraqi people new skills that they could use once we were gone. In theory, this was a great idea; in reality,...

Closing the Cracks with the FMCSA’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse

Written by Joshua Reilly, SMS, CIT, CUSP on August 11, 2022. Posted in Safety Management.

Slipping through the cracks has become much more difficult for drivers with the 2020 implementation of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. The following scenario paints a picture of how easy it once was for commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders who violated the FMCSA drug and alcohol testing regulations to move from job to job and continue to threaten public safety on U.S. roadways. Later in this article, we will explore requirements and responsibilities related to the clearinghouse. The Scenario In March 2019, John Doe, a CDL...

Beyond Behavior-Based Safety: Why Traditional Safety Practices are No Longer Enough

Written by Joseph White on August 11, 2022. Posted in Safety Management, Leadership Development.

Traditional safety management practices are built on the assumption that human behavior is rational and occurs primarily through conscious decision-making. Nothing could be further from the truth. We are, in fact, irrational by nature, creatures of habit and deeply influenced by past experiences. To create the next step change in the practice of occupational safety, we must revisit existing paradigms defining it, revise them to better align with research emerging from advancements in neuroscience, and adapt to practice realigned strategies of an affective nature. Irrational by Nature In...

Using a Learning Management System to Augment Lineworker Training

Written by Kenneth Pardue on August 11, 2022. Posted in Leadership Development.

“You can’t learn how to climb a pole by looking at a computer screen.” That’s a sentence that has been repeatedly used in our industry to discredit web-based learning. And it’s true; in any skilled trade, neither distance learning nor classroom work alone can replace the skills and confidence gained from practicing tasks and building up muscle memory in the field. But does that mean there’s no place for distance learning? Absolutely not. When properly used to augment a field skills training program, online training can speed the development of skills, make your training program more...

The Case for Enhanced First-Aid Training for Lineworkers

Written by Bill Martin, CUSP, NRP, RN, DIMM on August 11, 2022. Posted in Worksite Safety.

Imagine you are working in a remote wilderness area on difficult terrain. The job involves setting poles, running wires, trimming trees, operating heavy machinery and working at elevation in track bucket trucks or hooks on a pole. The potential for serious injury is present, and extrication will be difficult if an injury occurs. This scenario begs the question, are basic first-aid and CPR training enough for a situation like this? Should enhanced first-aid training be considered for remote utility work? Could training some of our lineworkers in advanced first aid help them more effectively...

Does Positive Feedback Improve Safety?

Written by Sharon Lipinski on June 20, 2022. Posted in Leadership Development.

Our client is an international utility company with more than 10,000 employees that provides electric and natural gas to 20 million U.S. customers. Their vision is to achieve a generative safety culture in which both employees and leaders are actively engaged. Characteristics of a generative safety culture include proactively resolving issues, focusing on leading indicators, and welcoming bad news as an opportunity for improvement, not for implementing discipline. The company is well on their way to that destination, and it’s due in no small part to their employees’ dedication to their...

Mitigating Heat and Cold Stress with FR/AR Clothing

Written by Derek Sang, CSHEP, QSSP on June 20, 2022. Posted in Safety Management.

Within the utility industry, employers have long looked to flame-resistant (FR) and arc-rated (AR) garments to help protect workers from injury due to flash fire and arc flash. Because these garments are designed using specially engineered, self-extinguishing fabrics and are certified to rigorous testing standards, they can help prevent or lessen the severity of injury. Utilizing FR/AR garments as part of a comprehensive personal protective equipment program is also one of the ways employers can meet OSHA’s mandate to provide workers with employment and a place of employment that are free...

Best Practices for Bucket Truck Rescue

Written by Ty Fenton on June 20, 2022. Posted in Worksite Safety.

Bucket trucks are among the most frequently used pieces of equipment in a utility’s fleet. Because of the common use of the trucks, it becomes easy for operators to become complacent in their equipment, inspection, operation and rescue plan – often defaulting to the last job safety analysis with limited consideration for the task at hand and the work environment. In a frequent scenario, one of Colorado’s electric utility contractors was issued an urgent service ticket. The lineman assigned to the job had years of experience and assumed this task would be much like the hundreds of closed...

Designing a Safe and Reliable Electrical Maintenance Program

Written by Martin Robinson, IEng., CMRP, CRL on June 20, 2022. Posted in Safety Management.

The critical importance of power to every aspect of our world cannot be overexaggerated. It must be generated and distributed effectively to end users, and any disruption in that process means loss of operations, money and, in extreme cases, life. Therefore, the reliability of power creation and distribution must be continually safeguarded and improved. This doesn’t happen by chance or through reactionary maintenance tasks; rather, it must be focused on from the early design stages and continue through the life of the assets tasked with these functions. Adopting a “Monitor, Inspect and...

Using PPE to Bolster Safety Resilience

Written by Scott Francis on February 24, 2022. Posted in Safety Management.

Task-based and daily wear PPE programs help protect a company’s workers and improve resilience. Alexander Pope famously wrote that “to err is human,” yet as safety professionals, we often feel that we can prevent incidents if we eliminate all risk. It’s a concept that has permeated nearly every facet of the safety sphere: account for the risks, eliminate their presence and prevent injuries. Even still, incidents and injuries do happen, sometimes with catastrophic consequences. This has brought about a shift in the safety mindset, moving toward a more resilient outlook.

Safety Advancements in the Line-Clearance Industry

Written by John Sullivan , CUSP on February 24, 2022. Posted in Safety Management.

Progress over the last decade has made the industry a safer place for line-clearance workers. When I started working for an investor-owned utility in 1974, I was fresh out of high school and had little knowledge of safe work practices and policies. I was truly fortunate to collaborate with people at the utility who cared about my safety and made sure I developed safe work habits that I still espouse today.

ANSI A92.2: 2022 Changes and Training Requirements

Written by Phil Doud on February 24, 2022. Posted in Safety Management, Equipment Operations.

Here’s what owners and operators should know about upcoming updates to the standard. Updates are coming to the ANSI A92.2 standard, titled “American National Standard for Vehicle-Mounted Elevating and Rotating Aerial Devices.” Your most common piece of powered equipment soon will have new or revised requirements for design, manufacturing, testing, training and operation. These new requirements go into effect in August of this year. First, let’s cover some of the most notable changes, and then we’ll look at some often misunderstood training requirements.

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