Worksite Safety Archives - Incident Prevention

Lineworkers and Line-Clearance Workers: Understanding Their Similarities and Differences

Written by Philip Moran, CTSP, CUSP on December 13, 2021. Posted in Worksite Safety.

Everyone in the utility sector should familiarize themselves with the relationship between these two work groups.

Actionable Safety: Modeling Change for Line Crews

Written by Bill Martin, CUSP, NRP, RN, DIMM on December 13, 2021. Posted in Worksite Safety.

Demonstrating simple strategies for teams to practice can begin to effect behavioral changes that improve safety. When leaders model a specific safety behavior or tactic, we can achieve multiple positive outcomes, including initiating change in our organizations. It is critical, however, that we physically model the behavior with our actions – we must walk the walk, not just talk the talk. When we truly lead by example, we can expect our team leaders to model our behavior as well. With that said, in this article, I’m going to present you with some simple, actionable safety strategies you can...

A Historical Review of Workplace Safety in the U.S.

Written by Rayford “RL” Grubbs, CUSP on October 4, 2021. Posted in Worksite Safety.

A Historical Review of Workplace Safety in the U.S. While OSHA may sometimes make it difficult for businesses to do business, their rules are necessary for the safety of the American workforce. Has OSHA ever made it difficult for businesses to do business? It sure has, and I will be the first to raise my hand in agreement. I started my career in the electrical utility industry as a lineman helper five years before President Richard Nixon signed into law the Williams-Steiger Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970. It became enforceable in late April 1971. At that time, I was just beginning...

Establishing a Comprehensive Ergonomics Program During a Pandemic

Written by Lisa Harris on August 11, 2021. Posted in Worksite Safety.

Austin Energy is the electric utility provider for the rapidly growing city of Austin, Texas. This community-owned, not-for-profit enterprise of the City of Austin employs approximately 1,100 office-based and 600 field-based employees. Employee safety, health and wellness have always been a top priority, and in 2019, Healthworks Ergonomics – the company I co-own – was hired to develop a comprehensive ergonomics program to complement Austin Energy’s existing initiatives.

Building an ATV/UTV Training Program for Utilities and Contractors

Written by Ty Fenton and Chuck Kevwitch on May 21, 2021. Posted in Worksite Safety, Equipment Operations.

Utility task vehicles (UTVs) and all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are quickly becoming the preferred motorized equipment for lineworkers to use to access difficult terrain for necessary inspection and repair of infrastructure. And although they are exceptionally capable, these vehicles – identifiable by their large off-road tires, relatively small size and light weight – pose certain challenges for both utilities and contractors who wish to use them on job sites.

FR/AR Clothing Considerations During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Written by Derek Sang and Scott Margolin on May 21, 2021. Posted in Worksite Safety.

In 29 CFR 1910.132, OSHA clearly states that personal protective equipment and appropriate training are required for individuals working in utilities, electrical petroleum, oil and gas exploration, and other industries where there is a danger of being injured by arc flash or flash fire.

Drive Safe. Work Safe. Save Lives.

Written by Marilyn M. Velez, MPH on April 15, 2021. Posted in Worksite Safety, Tailgate Topics.

Members of the OSHA Georgia Struck-By Alliance and the Associated General Contractors of Georgia Inc. (AGC Georgia) will join thousands of employers and workers during this year’s National Work Zone Awareness Week (NWZAW), which takes place April 26-30. This year’s theme is “Drive Safe. Work Safe. Save Lives. Everyone plays a role in work zone safety.”

Minimum Approach Distances: What’s Required?

Written by Pam Tompkins, CUSP, CSP, and Matt Edmonds, CUSP, CIT, CHST on April 15, 2021. Posted in Worksite Safety, OSHA Articles.

Let’s kick off this article with a definition of what “MAD” means in the utility sector – and it does not mean that we’re upset with you. The word is actually an acronym that stands for minimum approach distance, which is the calculated safe working distance that provides worker protection when working on or in the vicinity of energized lines and equipment.

Fire Extinguisher Use and Safety for Utility Workers

Written by Steve Nash on February 12, 2021. Posted in Worksite Safety.

Officer George Brentar, a 22-year veteran of the Euclid, Ohio, police force, died October 10, 2007, when his car skidded into a pole and caught fire on an entrance ramp to Interstate 90. Officer Brentar had spotted a speeding motorist and was attempting to catch up to the vehicle when his car hydroplaned. The right rear end hit a pole and the car immediately burst into flames, with Officer Brentar trapped inside.

Tag: Worksite Safety