Voice of Experience Podcast – Danny Raines, CUSP
About the Author: Danny Raines, CUSP, safety consultant, distribution and transmission, retired from Georgia Power after 40 years of service and opened Raines Utility Safety Solutions LLC, providing compliance training, risk assessments and safety observation programs. He also is an affiliate instructor at Georgia Tech Research Center OSHA Outreach in Atlanta.
Danny is a regular guest host on the iPi Forum – Register today and ask your questions!
Purchase Danny’s Book on Amazon –https://a.co/d/556LDvzc
Voice of Experience with Danny Raines, CUSP – Test, Verify, Prevent – Lessons from the Field
Join Danny Raines, CUSP, as he shares critical lessons learned from the field in this episode of The Voice of Experience. Danny dives into real-world incidents, including a tragic fatality and a near-miss, emphasizing the importance of testing and verifying in the utility safety industry. With decades of experience, Danny provides actionable insights to prevent accidents, improve safety protocols, and foster a culture of vigilance among utility professionals.
Key Takeaways:
1.Testing and Verifying Saves Lives: Never assume safety; always verify conditions to prevent catastrophic incidents.
2.Human Error Is Inevitable: Acknowledge that mistakes happen and take proactive steps to minimize risks.
3.The Power of Speaking Up: Encourage crews to challenge unsafe practices and prioritize safety over production.
4.Importance of Job Briefings: Thorough planning and hazard identification are critical to mitigating risks on-site.
4 Questions to learn from this podcast with Answers:
Q1: What is the primary cause of unsafe practices in the field?
A1: Assumptions and rushing to complete tasks often lead to neglecting crucial safety checks, like testing and verifying.
Q2: Why is “speaking up” vital in utility safety?
A2: It prevents potential accidents by addressing hazards early. Crew members should challenge unsafe practices without fear of backlash.
Q3: How can utility workers improve safety culture?
A3: By consistently practicing thorough job briefings, hazard identification, and compliance with safety regulations.
Q4: What role does leadership play in utility safety?
A4: Leaders must ensure oversight, provide proper training, and foster a culture where safety is prioritized over production.
You can read the current magazine at Incident Prevention Magazine.
Subscribe to Incident Prevention Magazine – https://incident-prevention.com/subscribe-now/
Register for the iP Utility Safety Conference & Expo – https://utilitysafetyconference.com/
The Voice of Experience with Danny Raines podcast is produced by the same team that publishes Incident Prevention. It delivers insights based on Danny’s regular column in the magazine, also called the Voice of Experience. To listen to more episodes of this podcast, as well as other podcasts we produce, visit https://incident-prevention.com/podcasts. You can reach Danny at rainesafety@gmail.com
Purchase Danny’s Book on Amazon – https://a.co/d/556LDvzc
#UtilitySafety #WorkSafe #CUSP #LinemanSafety #IncidentPrevention #SafetyLeadership
Voice of Experience with Danny Raines, CUSP – Are You Looking Out a Window or Into a Mirror? A New Perspective on Utility Safety
In this episode, safety consultant Danny Raines, CUSP, reflects on critical issues facing the utility industry, including safety practices, training gaps, and the persistent challenges of electrical fatalities. Danny delves into the importance of adhering to safety protocols, fostering a culture of accountability, and embracing innovation in personal protective equipment (PPE). Through stories from his career, Danny emphasizes the life-saving significance of vigilance and teamwork in high-risk environments.
Key Takeaways:
1.Window vs. Mirror Perspective: Evaluate whether you are self-reflective (mirror) or outward-focused (window) in safety practices.
2.“Learn-It-All” Mindset: Embrace a continuous learning approach over the “know-it-all” attitude.
3.The Numbers Don’t Lie: Despite advancements in PPE and training, electrical fatalities remain stagnant, demanding deeper industry introspection.
4.Accountability Saves Lives: The role of dedicated observers and adherence to safety protocols cannot be overstated.
5.A Culture of Safety: Building relationships and fostering open communication among crews enhance workplace safety.
6.Personal Responsibility: Safety isn’t just about individual choices—it impacts families and communities.
You can read the current magazine at Incident Prevention Magazine.
Subscribe to Incident Prevention Magazine – https://incident-prevention.com/subscribe-now/
Register for the iP Utility Safety Conference & Expo – https://utilitysafetyconference.com/
The Voice of Experience with Danny Raines podcast is produced by the same team that publishes Incident Prevention. It delivers insights based on Danny’s regular column in the magazine, also called the Voice of Experience. To listen to more episodes of this podcast, as well as other podcasts we produce, visit https://incident-prevention.com/podcasts. You can reach Danny at rainesafety@gmail.com
Purchase Danny’s Book on Amazon – https://a.co/d/556LDvz
#UtilitySafety #ElectricalSafety #PPEInnovation #LinemanLife #SafetyCulture #DannyRaines
Voice of Experience – Surviving the Storm: Lessons from the Field with Danny Raines, CUSP
In this episode of The Voice of Experience, Danny Raines, CUSP, shares his invaluable insights from decades of storm work as a lineman and utility safety expert. From the devastation of Hurricane Katrina to modern-day storm recovery challenges, Danny takes us through the physical and mental toll of responding to natural disasters. He explains the dangers of backfeeds, the rise of alternative energy sources, and the importance of verifying safety before restoring power. Learn from his firsthand stories, safety lessons, and how the landscape of utility work has evolved over the years. Whether you’re in the utility industry or just curious about storm response, this episode offers a wealth of knowledge from one of the most respected professionals in the field.
Key Takeaways:
- The dangers of storm work: Power restoration involves more than meets the eye, especially with evolving technology like solar panels and generators creating backfeed hazards.
- Mental and physical challenges: Long hours, dangerous conditions, and the emotional impact of storm recovery can lead to severe fatigue and stress.
- Importance of testing and verifying: Danny stresses the importance of safety procedures, especially when dealing with energized systems after a storm.
- Stories from the field: Real-life experiences from Hurricane Katrina and other storms demonstrate the unpredictable nature of storm recovery.
- Utility evolution: Changes in technology, regulations, and community expectations are reshaping the utility industry’s response to natural disasters.
You can read the current magazine at Incident Prevention Magazine.
Subscribe to Incident Prevention Magazine – https://incident-prevention.com/subscribe-now/
Register for the iP Utility Safety Conference & Expo – https://utilitysafetyconference.com/
The Voice of Experience with Danny Raines podcast is produced by the same team that publishes Incident Prevention. It delivers insights based on Danny’s regular column in the magazine, also called the Voice of Experience. To listen to more episodes of this podcast, as well as other podcasts we produce, visit https://incident-prevention.com/podcasts. You can reach Danny at rainesafety@gmail.com
Purchase Danny’s Book on Amazon – https://a.co/d/556LDvz
#UtilitySafety #StormWork #HurricaneKatrina #LinemanLife #BackfeedDangers #MentalHealthMatters #TestAndVerify #PowerRestoration #StormRecovery #AlternativeEnergy #UtilityIndustry #SafetyFirst #DannyRaines #CUSP #ElectricGrid #DisasterResponse
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