Worksite Safety Archives

Public Safety and Our First Responders

Written by George R. Popovici, CUSA, CUSP on December 13, 2012. Posted in Worksite Safety.

The threat of high-voltage electrical contact is very real for emergency first responders who are called to the scenes of accidents and other unplanned events. The safety of the public and our emergency workers should be a top priority. “You fight the fires, we deal with the wires” is a theme that is stressed in the comprehensive outreach program created by NSTAR, a Northeast Utilities company based in Boston. Contacting the utility company first, before any actions are taken by responders, is essential when dealing with an invisible force that travels at 186,000 miles per second. If you make...

Implementing a Zero Injury Program

Written by Joseph Saccaro, CSP, CUSA, CUSP, OHST on December 13, 2012. Posted in Worksite Safety.

You’ve said it and heard it many times before: “Accidents happen.” It’s a phrase that essentially allows us to admit that accidents can’t be prevented. In business, that attitude has the potential to breed complacency when it comes to worker safety. A zero injury philosophy, however, maintains that there always exists some combination of tools, work practices and personal protective equipment that enables workers to carry out their assignments without being injured. Consequently, striving for zero injuries makes sense; it is a practical, achievable goal. American Transmission Co., a transmission-only...

Detecting Shock Hazards at Transmission Line Work Sites

Written by Gary Zevenbergen on October 11, 2012. Posted in Worksite Safety, Tailgate Topics.

The line crew’s job for the day is to replace a 115-kV wooden H-frame transmission structure. No problem – this crew has done this type of work a number of times in the last few years. Upon arrival at the job site, the bucket truck and crane are arranged according to the job plan. A tailgate safety meeting is conducted, during which the clearance is reviewed and the points of isolation are identified. The work procedure is analyzed, including a discussion of the possible hazards and grounding plan for this work site. It is noted that, although not visible from this work site, this transmission...

Train the Trainer 101: Enclosed Space Rescue

Written by Jim Vaughn, CUSP on October 11, 2012. Posted in Worksite Safety.

Following is a treatment of the complex subject of enclosed space rescue and it’s a lot of information. I would like to just tell you what to do, but there is no single solution. Your background understanding of the relative standards, interpretations and directives is necessary for you as trainers and administrators to mount an effective enclosed space program. Part of the confusion is the very particular language in the relative standards. There are a couple of important keys to proper interpretation. One is to be clear that an enclosed space is really a confined space, subject to 29...

Train the Trainer 101: Ferroresonance Explained

Written by Jim Vaughn, CUSP on August 27, 2012. Posted in Worksite Safety.

Ferroresonance is a complicated issue. It is important to familiarize crews with ferroresonance because as the number of URD systems installed increases and as systems age, the incidence of ferroresonance increases and so does the threat to equipment, service reliability and, most importantly, the safety of workers and customers. Ferroresonance is a rare condition most likely to occur with three-phase pad-mount delta-connected transformers. Not nearly as often, ferroresonance has also been documented in wye-wye transformers and in aerial three-pot banks served by long-dedicated aerial circuits....

Keys to Effective Fall Protection

Written by Mike Woods, CUSP on April 17, 2012. Posted in Worksite Safety.

The electric utility industry is loaded with potential hazards. Climbing at heights is one of those inherent safety risks that come with the job. At Louisville Gas and Electric (LG&E) and Kentucky Utilities (KU), we require 100 percent fall protection on poles and towers for our employees and business partners. This policy is part of our “no compromise” approach to safety and supports our belief that we can leave nothing to chance when it comes to the well-being of our workers. We also know that effective fall protection requires much more than just putting on the necessary gear. We have...

Safety Rules and Work Practices: Why Don’t They Match Up?

Written by Jeremy Adcock and Pam Tompkins, CSP, CUSP on February 9, 2012. Posted in Safety Management, Worksite Safety.

What do safety rules mean to the organization? To the worker? Does having a safety rule mean it has to be followed 100 percent of the time, part of the time or not at all? Most employers and employees would say 100 percent of the time. So why do safety rules and actual work practices not match up every single time? Is the rule not known or not understood, does it not fit the application or has it always been done that way? In a recent survey by an electric utility, employees affirmed that there were often violations of safety rules, they did not always believe the safety rules were applicable...

Working in Winter

Written by Amber Reed on December 16, 2011. Posted in Worksite Safety.

No matter what time of year you are operating your utility truck, there are always best practices to follow for safe setup, operation and transportation. Particularly in colder weather when temperatures drop below freezing and stay there for an extended period of time, there are some specific things you need to keep in mind in order to keep your truck running and your crews productive. “When it comes to working in the winter, all the same practices for safe operation apply,” said Jim Olson, product and safety engineer for Terex Utilities. “It is important to always follow the safety guidelines...

100 Percent Fall Protection: A Joint Union-Management Effort

Written by Kevin J. Severson, CUSA on April 8, 2011. Posted in Worksite Safety.

Alliant Energy (AE) management and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) union personnel began looking at the 100 percent fall protection issue about four years ago. AE is comprised of two utilities: Wisconsin Power and Light (WPL) and Iowa Power and Light (IPL). Union workers are represented by five IBEW locals. Internal statistics regarding falls during climbs on wood poles showed numbers in the teens over the last few years and a trend of near misses and minor injuries. Easing into 100 Percent Fall ProtectionBelieving that fall protection straps would probably be required...

Tag: Worksite Safety