The Safety Moment by Utility Safety Partners Stories and Strategies
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In our modern culture, the safety moment has evolved as brief and casual conversations in which to share. They are the perfect time to bring up safety topics in a non-threatening (though potentially lifesaving) way. The Safety Moment Podcast is produced by Utility Safety Partners – a non-profit corporation that has been providing communication service between the digging community and the owners of buried facilities since 1984. Let’s talk about damage prevention, excavation safety, locating and marking, watching for overhead powerlines, and legislative matters to ensure contractors and neighbours can all do their work safely. Let's talk safety - it's always a good conversation.
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Beyond the Alarm: Effective Crisis Messaging
When chaos unfolds, the right communication can be a lifeline.
In this episode, host Mike Sullivan is joined by crisis communications expert Tim Conrad. They talk the intricate world of crisis management, emphasizing the essential blend of planning, empathy, and adaptability needed when the unforeseen occurs.
One striking aspect of this episode is the emphasis on the "numbing effect" – the phenomenon where continuous exposure to high-stakes language in the media has led to a public that is less responsive to actual emergencies.
Listen For:
3:08 - Defining Crisis Communication
5:17 - The Politics of Panic
14:13 - Preparedness in Urban Settings
Guest: Tim Conrad, APR® President of Butterfly Effect Communications Inc.
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How Canada Almost Went 811
Canada's dance with three-digit dialing could have changed everything.
In this episode, Mike shares the almost decade-long saga of Canada's attempt to implement 811 as the standard for "call before you dig" services, mirroring the system in the United States.
It was really a failed attempt that resulted in a Plan B, which led to the ingenious yet simple solution of securing the domain 'clickbeforeyoudig.com', revolutionizing the way locate requests are made by shifting them online, improving efficiency, and reducing damages.
This digital transition not only advanced the cause significantly but also fostered unity and collaboration across various Canadian organizations, setting a new standard for excavation safety.
Listen For:
1:22 The 811 Desire
10:15 The CRTC's Verdict
18:21 The Generational Shift in Digging Practices
27:45 Embracing Digital Safety
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Behind the Scenes at Utility Safety Partners
Mike Sullivan talks with Damage Prevention Associate Chelsea Barnowich, offering us a behind-the-scenes look at the intricacies of utility locates for homeowners.
They touch on the transition from phone to online systems, tackle the importance of homeowner education, and discuss the personal touch in customer support.
With Chelsea's insights on the challenges and evolutions of their roles, including handling a mix of straightforward requests and assisting those new to the process, the podcast highlights the commitment to safety and efficient communication as the digging season gears up.
Listen For:
1:32 Meet the Associate: Chelsea's Role in Damage Prevention
4:05 The Monday Rush: Trends in Locate Requests
9:08 Chat Support: Where Homeowners Get Stuck
21:59 Emergency Requests: Handling Urgent Situations
Guest: Chelsea Barnowich
Damage Prevention Associate at Utility Safety Partners
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Collaboration as a Strategic Weapon in Safety Training
A transformative change in industrial safety begins here.
Mike welcomes Debbie Shelley of Global Training and Jeff Mulligan from Aztec Safety, who share their collaborative efforts establishing the Alternate Locate Provider training program.
Their discussion highlights the program's evolution, its alignment with industry standards, and the synergy between two leading safety training providers.
This episode shine’s a spotlight on the program's significant role in propelling damage prevention to new heights across Canada and maybe beyond the borders.
Listen For:
2:20 Collaboration in Safety Training Development
3:51 Behind the Scenes of Creating a Training Program
8:37 The Launch and impact of the Alternate Locate Provider Program
12:47 The Expanding Role of Utility Safety Partners in Damage Prevention
Connect with Guest DEBBIE SHELLEY
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Connect with Guest JEFF MULLIGAN
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Before You Dig Australia
There are remarkable similarities between Utility Safety Partners and Before You Dig Australia. They face quite comparable challenges in promoting safety in the utility sector.
In this episode, Mell Greenall, the CEO of Before You Dig Australia highlights the importance of clear, concise, and consumable safety information, and the need for a skilled and qualified locator in the construction sector.
Mel also shares plans for a new collated response viewer and a damage data dashboard.
Listen For
6:37 BYDA’s Digital Transformation and Efficiency
27:31 The Importance of Skills Development and Training
32:09 The Inefficiency in repeatedly marking the same locations
34:02 Innovation in Damage Prevention
Connect with Mell Greenall, CEO Before You Dig Australia
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The Alternate Locate Provider (ALP) Program
In this episode, we explore the cutting-edge Alternate Locate Provider (ALP) Program, an initiative aimed at transforming the landscape of location-based services.
As we navigate through the advancements in technology, the ALP Program emerges as a key player in improving the precision, dependability, and efficiency of locating services and devices. In this interview we discuss the mechanics behind this program, its impact on the future of digital navigation, and its role in redefining our engagement with the digital environment.
Listen For
5:30 Innovative Integration Techniques
18:45 Enhanced Accuracy and Efficiency
32:10 Regulatory Compliance and Safety Standards
47:20 Cost Reduction Strategies
Guest Ron Laidman, Enertia
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Customer Reviews
Terrific conversation
Some great information here for anyone involved in safety for a living