Utility Safety Podcast by Incident Prevention Magazine

Incident Prevention Magazine
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Come listen to an extension of some of the excellent utility safety & ops safety content published in Incident Prevention magazine. Dive deeper into insightful safety topics by hearing interviews with the some of the best and brightest minds in the industry! Learn more about Incident Prevention magazine at incident-prevention.com

  1. 1D AGO

    Utility Safety Podcast - Deep Dive - Using Safety to Drive Operational Excellence - Written By Doug Hill, CUSP

    "Built In, Not Bolted On" explores the critical integration of safety into the core of organizational operations rather than treating it as a secondary, compliance-based add-on. Author Doug Hill argues that when safety is established as a fundamental organizational value—rather than just a priority—it naturally drives improvements in quality, productivity, and overall operational excellence. By utilizing Human and Organizational Performance (HOP) principles, the article highlights how a "safety-first" culture motivates employees to follow standards even when unobserved, ultimately reducing rework and fostering a more efficient workforce. Read the article by Doug Hill, CUSP - Built In, Not Bolted On: Using Safety to Drive Operational Excellence Key Takeaways Safety as a Value, Not a Priority: Priorities can shift depending on the day's demands, but values remain constant. When safety is a value, employees adhere to standards because they see the inherent worth in them. The Interconnectivity of Success: Safety, quality, and productivity are not silos. A safe process is often a high-quality process that leads to productive outcomes. Human and Organizational Performance (HOP): Systems should be designed so that processes are easy to follow and make sense to the people actually doing the work. The Power of "Why": Employees are more likely to follow protocols (like wearing PPE) when they understand the personal stakes (family, health, well-being) rather than just trying to avoid a reprimand. Learning from Success: Organizations should focus on learning from what goes right just as much as they learn from failures to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.   3 Questions and Answers Q1: What is the main difference between safety being a "priority" versus a "value"? A1: A priority is something that can change based on circumstances or pressure (like a deadline), whereas a value is a core belief that remains constant regardless of the situation. When safety is a value, it is integrated into every action naturally. Q2: How does the article suggest safety impacts productivity and quality? A2: The author uses the analogy of building a child's bicycle: because you care about the safety of the rider, you follow instructions more carefully (Quality), which ensures the bike works correctly the first time and doesn't require repairs (Productivity/Efficiency). Q3: Why is "peer-to-peer support" mentioned as a critical factor in safety culture? A3: Because supervisors cannot be everywhere at once. A strong safety culture relies on workers looking out for one another and holding each other accountable to standards even when leadership is not present.   #UtilitySafety #OperationalExcellence #OccupationalSafety #HOP #WorkplaceCulture #IncidentPrevention   Subscribe to Incident Prevention Magazine - https://incident-prevention.com/subscribe-now/ Register for the iP Utility Safety Conference & Expo - https://utilitysafetyconference.com/   ________________________________ This podcast is sponsored by T&D Powerskills. If you are looking for a comprehensive lineworker training solution, visit tdpowerskills.com today and use the exclusive podcast listener promo code IP2026 to receive a 5% discount!

    19 min

  2. FEB 1

    The Human Tuning Fork: Harnessing Frequency and Vibration for Utility Safety with Bill Martin, CUSP

    In this episode of the Utility Safety Podcast, host Nick chats with Bill Martin, CUSP about a concept that goes far beyond the standard safety manual: the physics of human energy. Inspired by Nikola Tesla’s quote on energy, frequency, and vibration, Bill explains why workers are like "human tuning forks" and how one person's attitude can physically resonate through an entire crew. The conversation dives deep into the biology of leadership, contrasting the stress of "command and control" with the high performance of synchronized teams. Bill also challenges the industry’s reliance on caffeine and energy drinks, arguing that true high performance starts with regulating your own physiology and inputs. Tune in to learn how to move from a state of basic compliance to a state of high-frequency synchronization.   Key Takeaways   The Tuning Fork Analogy: Humans are like tuning forks; energy transfers between people without physical contact, meaning a single person's mood or "vibration" can affect the safety and performance of the entire team. Synchronization Over Compliance: While "command and control" works in predictable environments, high-risk utility work requires synchronization—like pushing a swing in rhythm—to maintain forward momentum and safety. The Chemistry of Leadership: A leader's approach triggers biological responses; criticism releases cortisol (stress/defense), while praise releases oxytocin (connection/higher cognition), changing the frequency at which the team operates. Impact of Substances: Reliance on energy drinks, caffeine, and alcohol dehydrates the brain and lowers cognitive frequency, effectively making workers "stupid" and slower to react in critical situations. The 5-Second Rule: To avoid reacting negatively to a "toxic" team member, use the 5-second rule (count down 5-4-3-2-1) to bypass your biological defense mechanism and choose a constructive response. The Power of Sync (Millennium Bridge): Just as the rhythmic walking of pedestrians caused London's Millennium Bridge to wobble violently, a team that is perfectly synchronized can generate immense power and capability.   Questions & Answers Q1: How does Bill Martin explain the concept of "making your own luck" regarding safety and life?   A: Bill explains that prediction is simply how our brains work to make things happen, rather than a lottery ticket. He argues that we are in 100% control of our next decision regardless of the hand we are dealt, meaning we decide if our "luck" is good or bad based on our mindset and actions.     Q2: Why does Bill suggest that energy drinks are detrimental to line workers?   A: Bill notes that energy drinks alter physiology by spiking heart rates, which the body struggles to distinguish from fear or running from a threat. He states that caffeine dehydrates the brain (which is 70% water), slowing down brain conduction and thinking speed, which is dangerous in high-stakes work.       Q3: What is the "marshmallow" effect in a team setting?   A: Using the analogy of Newton's cradle (pendulum balls), Bill describes a person who is out of sync or vibrating at a low frequency as a "marshmallow". If placed in the middle of the team, this person absorbs the energy rather than transferring it, stopping the team's momentum.     Q4: How can a worker change the "frequency" of a negative interaction immediately?   A: Instead of reacting defensively to a bully or an angry coworker, Bill suggests smiling or staying silent for five seconds to disrupt their predicted response. By refusing to let the other person decide your energy, and instead responding with curiosity or kindness, you change the dynamic of the interaction.   #UtilitySafety #Leadership #TeamSync #HumanPerformance #Mindset #LineLife   Subscribe to Incident Prevention Magazine - https://incident-prevention.com/subscribe-now/ Register for the iP Utility Safety Conference & Expo - https://utilitysafetyconference.com/   ________________________________ This podcast is sponsored by T&D Powerskills. If you are looking for a comprehensive lineworker training solution, visit tdpowerskills.com today and use the exclusive podcast listener promo code IP2026 to receive a 5% discount!

    53 min

  3. FEB 1

    Closing the Hazard Awareness Delay - Real-Time Grid Visibility with Active Grid Response

    In this episode of Incident Prevention’s Utility Safety Podcast, host Kate Wade sits down with Tim Bedford, a 36-year veteran of PG&E and current Principal Customer Success Manager at Gridware. Together, they explore a critical new category of grid intelligence: Active Grid Response.   Tim explains the concept of "Hazard Awareness Delay"—the dangerous gap in time between a grid event occurring and the utility becoming aware of it . By utilizing Gridware’s Gridscope, a mechanical sensing device installed on poles, utilities can now detect hazards like broken poles, vegetation impact, and conductor vibration in real-time .   Listen in to learn: How real-time grid visibility eliminates unnecessary exposure for linemen, drastically improving utility safety.   The role of mechanical sensing in preventing wildfires by identifying risks before they ignite .   How Gridware’s technology creates a "zero delay line break" response, potentially de-energizing falling lines before they hit the ground .   Strategies for funding safety technology through reliability and fleet maintenance budgets .   Whether you are in operations, safety management, or fleet logistics, this episode offers actionable insights into modernizing grid protection. Guest Contact: Tim Bedford | tim.bedford@gridware.io Learn More: www.gridware.io   Key Takeaways   Defining Hazard Awareness Delay: This is the critical time lapse between an event occurring on the electrical system and the utility’s awareness of it; reducing this delay prevents outages and catastrophic events like wildfires.   Mechanical Sensing Technology: Gridware’s "Gridscope" acts like a pickup on a guitar string, detecting vibration, sound, and pole angle changes to pinpoint exact fault locations without needing to patrol the entire line.   Enhancing Lineman Safety: By providing the exact location of a fault, utilities reduce the need for linemen to patrol hazardous terrain in the dark, significantly lowering safety risks and exposure.   Rapid Installation: The devices are approximately the size of a shoebox, weigh 3.5 lbs, and can be installed in under five minutes; a single crew can install upwards of 50 devices per day.   Future "Zero Delay" Capabilities: Gridware is currently piloting technology that can detect a line break and trigger a recloser to de-energize the circuit before the wire even hits the ground.   Q&A: Utility Safety & Grid Visibility Q: What is the "Active Grid Response" solution provided by Gridware? A: Active Grid Response is a new category of grid intelligence that provides real-time visibility into the physical, electrical, and environmental conditions of the grid. It uses sensors to monitor vibrations and pole angles, allowing utilities to identify specific hazards—like a tree striking a line or a car hitting a pole—before they escalate into major outages or wildfires.       Q: How does this technology directly improve utility safety for the workforce? A: It drastically reduces the "hunt and seek" method of finding faults. Instead of a troubleman patrolling miles of line in hazardous conditions (darkness, rough terrain, severe weather), the system provides a pinpoint location . This minimizes the time employees spend in dangerous environments and reduces fleet vehicle exposure .     Q: Is this technology cost-prohibitive for smaller utilities or tight budgets? A: Tim Bedford suggests that funding often comes from shifting budgets based on the use case. For example, the technology offsets costs in fleet fuel, engine hours, and patrol time. Additionally, it can replace less effective legacy devices like standard fault indicators, and deployments can be scaled to focus only on high-risk protection zones rather than the entire system immediately.   Subscribe to Incident Prevention Magazine - https://incident-prevention.com/subscribe-now/ Register for the iP Utility Safety Conference & Expo - https://utilitysafetyconference.com/   #UtilitySafety #GridModernization #LinemanSafety #WildfirePrevention #SmartGrid #ActiveGridResponse     ________________________________ This podcast is sponsored by T&D Powerskills. If you are looking for a comprehensive lineworker training solution, visit tdpowerskills.com today and use the exclusive podcast listener promo code IP2026 to receive a 5% discount!

    39 min

  4. JAN 23

    Utility Safety Podcast - Deep Dive - The Evolution of Personal Protective Grounding from the Articles Written by Alan Drew

    Read the articles writted by Alan Drew - https://incident-prevention.com/blog/the-evolution-of-personal-protective-grounding-part-1/ https://incident-prevention.com/blog/the-evolution-of-personal-protective-grounding-part-2/   About the Author: Alan Drew began his power industry career in 1959. While working for a local utility company, he earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. Drew was hired as the general superintendent for Clallam County Public Utility District in 1991. He moved to Boise, Idaho, in 1998, where he became an instructor with Northwest Lineman College and advanced to the position of senior vice president of research and development. He is a lifetime member of IEEE and a 2008 International Lineman Museum Hall of Fame inductee. Drew’s most recent accomplishment is writing “The American Lineman,” a book that honors the evolution and importance of the U.S. lineman. He retired in 2020 and is now a part-time technical consultant for Northwest Lineman College.   These articles chronicle the historical transition of personal protective grounding (PPG) from primitive, improvised tactics to rigorous modern safety standards for electrical workers. Early utility pioneers relied on basic tools like grounding chains and simple water pipe connections, but rising accident rates eventually necessitated more sophisticated testing and insulation. Mid-century research by experts like Charles Dalziel provided a scientific understanding of how electrical currents impact the human body, shifting the industry toward standardized equipment and formal regulations. The narrative highlights the move from bracket grounding toward the equipotential zone concept, ensuring that lineworkers are protected by maintaining equal voltage across all contact points. Ultimately, the sources emphasize that while technology and OSHA mandates have advanced, the core mission of PPG remains the most vital safeguard in high-voltage environments.   Based on the two-part series "The Evolution of Personal Protective Grounding," here is a podcast package designed to summarize the content effectively.   Key Takeaways From Primitive to Precise: The history of grounding began with crude methods like throwing chains over conductors or simply shutting down generators. It has evolved into a highly technical science focusing on creating "equipotential zones" (EPZ) to guarantee worker safety. The Pivot to Worksite Grounding: Early practices relied on "bracket grounding" (grounding at adjacent poles). However, 1950s testing by the Bonneville Power Administration proved this was insufficient, leading to the modern standard of grounding and short-circuiting directly at the worksite. The Impact of Research: Charles Dalziel’s mid-century research on human shock thresholds provided the crucial medical data needed to evaluate whether grounding methods actually protected human life, moving the industry away from guesswork. Standardization Saved Lives: The shift from homemade tools (like copper wire and water pipes) to manufactured, certified equipment was driven by regulations from OSHA (1970s) and standards from ASTM and IEEE, ensuring reliability and accountability. 4 Questions & Answers Q: How did early lineworkers verify a line was de-energized before modern voltage detectors existed? A: Early methods were incredibly risky and often involved "fuzzing" (listening for a buzzing sound) or primitive "tests" like throwing a crescent wrench tied to a grounded tower onto the conductor to see if a fuse would blow. Q: What major flaw did the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) discover in 1954 regarding "bracket grounding"? A: The BPA tests revealed that placing grounds only on structures adjacent to the work area (bracket grounding) did not provide adequate protection. They found that to truly protect the lineworker from accidental energization, all conductors had to be short-circuited and grounded directly at the work location. Q: What is the "Equipotential Zone" (EPZ) and when did it become the industry standard? A: The EPZ is a safety method where grounds are arranged to ensure that all equipment and the worker are at the same electrical potential, eliminating hazardous voltage differences across the worker’s body. It became a formal regulatory requirement with the issuance of OSHA standard 1910.269 in 1994. Q: How did the "Shotgun Stick" improve safety in the 1950s? A: The development of the grip-all or "shotgun stick" allowed lineworkers to apply protective grounds while maintaining a safe distance from the conductor. This was a significant improvement over earlier methods that brought workers dangerously close to potential hazards during installation.   Subscribe to Incident Prevention Magazine - https://incident-prevention.com/subscribe-now/ Register for the iP Utility Safety Conference & Expo - https://utilitysafetyconference.com/   #LinemanSafety #UtilityIndustry #ElectricalSafety #ProtectiveGrounding #OSHAHistory #EquipotentialZone   ________________________________ This podcast is sponsored by T&D Powerskills. If you are looking for a comprehensive lineworker training solution, visit tdpowerskills.com today and use the exclusive podcast listener promo code IP2026 to receive a 5% discount!

    17 min

  5. JAN 1

    Built In, Not Bolted On - Paying it Forward - Building a Safety Culture for the Holidays

    In this episode of "Built In, Not Bolted On," host Doug Hill and guest Nick discuss the concept of "paying it forward" as a proactive approach to safety and mental well-being during the stressful holiday season. They explore how small acts—like salting a neighbor's walkway or simply asking a coworker "are you okay?"—can prevent failure and build a stronger, more supportive culture. The conversation highlights the dangers of distracted driving, the impact of winter weather on utility work, and the importance of checking in on colleagues who may be struggling with personal stressors.   Key Takeaways   Paying it Forward is an Investment: Paying it forward isn't just about buying coffee; it's an investment in others that pays dividends by setting them up for success and safety. Proactive Safety Measures: Practical acts like salting walkways or ensuring cars have fuel and emergency gear help others avoid failure and stay safe during winter travel. Mental Well-Being Check-ins: The holidays bring hidden stressors (financial, family, travel). Asking coworkers "Are you okay?" or "I got you" can uncover these "X factors" and provide much-needed support. The "Glass House" of Leadership: Effective leadership involves "paying it forward" by mentoring the next generation, a concept exemplified by industry veterans who continue to teach safety even after retirement. Distracted Driving Dangers: The first snow of the season often catches drivers off guard. Preparing for winter conditions is a critical way to pay it forward to your family and fellow commuters. Questions & Answers 1. What is the core theme of this episode? The core theme is "paying it forward, not looking back," which involves taking proactive steps during the holiday season to ensure the safety and success of others, rather than just reacting to problems.   2. How does Doug Hill define "paying it forward" in a safety context? Doug defines it as making an investment in other people to set them up for success, such as salting a walkway to prevent falls or ensuring vehicles are fueled to avoid being stranded in bad weather.     3. What specific winter driving advice does Doug give to his daughters? He advises them to always keep an extra coat and boots in the car to be prepared if they get stranded, emphasizing the need to mentally shift and prepare for winter conditions.   4. How can coworkers support each other's mental well-being during the holidays? Coworkers can pay it forward by asking "Are you okay?" if someone is acting abnormally, recognizing that financial or family stressors may be affecting their focus and safety on the job.     5. What is the origin story of "paying it forward" mentioned by Doug? Doug shares that the concept originated in his hometown of Midland, Michigan, with a young boy named Jaden Lamb, who passed away from cancer but inspired others to do good deeds for one another.     6. What is the "I got you" concept discussed by Nick and Doug? It is a simple phrase or text used between colleagues to reassure each other that they have support and communication lines are open, reinforcing trust and safety.   Subscribe to Incident Prevention Magazine - https://incident-prevention.com/subscribe-now/ Register for the iP Utility Safety Conference & Expo - https://utilitysafetyconference.com/   #BuiltInNotBoltedOn #SafetyCulture #PayItForward #HolidaySafety #MentalHealthAwareness #UtilitySafety   ________________________________ This podcast is sponsored by T&D Powerskills. If you are looking for a comprehensive lineworker training solution, visit tdpowerskills.com today and use the exclusive podcast listener promo code IP2026 to receive a 5% discount!

    23 min

  6. JAN 1

    Voice of Experience - From the Field to the Foreman’s Office - Mastering Leadership in the Utility Industry

    In this episode, Danny Raines, CUSP, joins the show to discuss the critical transition from being a crew member to a leader in the utility industry. Drawing from his extensive career—from journeyman lineman to safety consultant—Danny explores the challenges of supervision, such as navigating generational differences and the importance of communication skills. The conversation delves into the "glass house" effect, highlighting how a leader's actions on and off the job, including on social media, influence safety culture. Danny also breaks down different leadership styles, advocating for servant leadership as the most effective approach for modern crews.   Buy Danny's Book - https://www.amazon.com/Legends-Ole-Lineman-learning-Journeyman-ebook/dp/B0FXN6G7V8/ref   Key Takeaways: The Difficulty of Transition: Moving from a "doer" to a leader is a long road because it is often easier to do the job yourself than to get others to do it according to expectations. The "Glass House" Effect: Leaders must realize they are always being watched by their crew and peers. This extends to social media, where liking or interacting with unsafe content can undermine a leader's credibility and influence new apprentices negatively. Servant Leadership: The most successful leadership style is "servant leadership," defined by Danny as never asking a crew member to do something the leader hasn't done or isn't willing to help with. Admitting Knowledge Gaps: Leaders should never "blow smoke" or pretend to know everything. If a leader doesn't know the answer, they should admit it, pause the work, and find the correct information to maintain trust. Generational Awareness: Effective leadership requires understanding generational differences (e.g., Baby Boomers vs. Millennials) and adapting communication styles to different personality profiles. Succession Planning: A vital first step for any new supervisor is to identify and mentor the person who will eventually replace them.     Questions & Answers 1. What inspired Danny Raines to write his recent article on leadership? Danny was inspired by reflecting on his own career progression from a crew member to various leadership roles, as well as a book written by his pastor titled Yes, I Can, which resonated with his experiences of rising to new challenges.     2. How does Danny define the "Glass House" concept in leadership? The "Glass House" means that a leader is constantly under observation. Everything they do, whether on the job site or on social media, is seen by others, and mistakes or endorsements of unsafe behavior (even online) can negatively influence the workforce.     3. What are the four main leadership styles discussed in the podcast? Danny identifies four primary styles: Autocratic (authority-based), Democratic (voting/consensus-based), Bureaucratic (rule-governed), and Servant Leadership (leading by example and support).     4. Why is "Servant Leadership" preferred over the "Autocratic" style in today's workforce? While autocratic leadership ("my way or the highway") was common in the past, it creates friction, especially with younger generations. Servant leadership fosters better buy-in because the leader reasons with the crew, explains the "why," and proves they are willing to do the work themselves.   5. What should a leader do if they encounter a situation they don't understand? They should immediately stop and admit they aren't sure, rather than acting like they know. Danny advises saying, "I'm not real sure about this, but let me check and I'll get right back with you," to avoid breaking trust or causing safety issues.   6. What is Danny’s "one piece of advice" for new leaders? His advice is "Don't rush it." Leadership takes time and experience to build. He urges new leaders to be humble, learn as they go, and seek advice rather than expecting to know everything immediately.     #UtilitySafety #LeadershipDevelopment #LinemanLife #ServantLeadership #SafetyCulture #CUSP   Subscribe to Incident Prevention Magazine - https://incident-prevention.com/subscribe-now/ Register for the iP Utility Safety Conference & Expo - https://utilitysafetyconference.com/ ________________________________ This podcast is sponsored by T&D Powerskills. If you are looking for a comprehensive lineworker training solution, visit tdpowerskills.com today and use the exclusive podcast listener promo code IP2026 to receive a 5% discount!

    50 min

  7. 12/01/2025

    Voice of Experience - Storage Safety Hazards, Response, and the Evolution of the Grid with Josh Dinaburg, CSA Group

    As the grid transitions to green energy, battery energy storage systems (BESS) are popping up everywhere—from utility substations to residential neighborhoods. But what happens when lithium-ion technology fails? In this episode of The Voice of Experience, host Danny Raines and Fire Test Specialist Josh Dinaburg from the CSA Group dive deep into the reality of battery fire safety. Josh brings nearly 20 years of lab experience to explain why the "let it burn" strategy is often the safest choice for first responders and the environment. We dispel common myths about toxic runoff, explore how AI is revolutionizing failure detection, and discuss the rigorous testing standards keeping our communities safe. If you work in utilities, safety operations, or fire protection, this is the essential guide to understanding the risks and remedies of modern energy storage.   Learn More: https://www.csagroup.org/ Contact Josh: josh.dinaburg@csagroup.org Danny Raines, CUSP Book - Legendas of an Ole' Lineman: Order Here   Key Takeaways   The "Let It Burn" Strategy is Intentional: Contrary to public perception, the safest tactic for large-scale battery fires is often isolation rather than active suppression. Attempting to extinguish the fire can leave "stranded energy" in damaged cells, creating a "ticking time bomb" for secondary events, whereas letting it consume itself renders the waste safer for disposal. Manufacturing Quality is Improving Rapidly: While cell counts in storage facilities are increasing, the failure rate has dropped significantly—now estimated in the "one out of millions" range rather than hundreds.   Environmental Impact is Manageable: Extensive testing indicates that water and air quality impacts from these fires are generally comparable to standard structure fires. Runoff has not been demonstrated to cause immediate "forever chemical" threats to groundwater, provided the site is managed correctly.   AI is the Future of Prevention: The industry is moving toward advanced Battery Management Systems (BMS) that use AI to analyze temperature and voltage trends, allowing operators to identify and isolate failing cells months before a thermal runaway event occurs.   Firefighter Safety is Paramount: The primary risk to first responders is not just the fire, but the potential for explosion and high-voltage hazards. The current standard emphasizes life safety and evacuation over asset protection.   Q&A: Addressing Common Concerns   1. What is the biggest myth about battery storage fires? Answer: The biggest myth is that if fire departments aren't spraying water, they don't know what they are doing. In reality, standing back and monitoring is a calculated containment strategy. Active firefighting can waste water and endanger responders without effectively stopping the thermal runaway, so isolation is often the professional standard.   2. Does a battery fire pose a unique toxic threat to the local community? Answer: While lithium-ion electrolytes contain fluorinated compounds, the combustion products are remarkably similar to a typical house fire involving polyurethane furniture or cleaning chemicals under a sink. The smoke should be avoided like any other fire, but it does not generally require unique HazMat protocols beyond standard breathing protection and evacuation.   3. Can technology stop a fire once it starts? Answer: Once thermal runaway begins in a specific cell, the chemical and electrical energy makes it nearly impossible to stop that specific event. However, engineering controls—such as insulation barriers and novel injection systems—are designed to prevent that single-cell failure from propagating to the rest of the battery bank, turning a potential catastrophe into a minor, contained incident.   #BatteryStorage #FireSafety #RenewableEnergy #UtilitySafety #LithiumIon #CSAGroup   Subscribe to Incident Prevention Magazine - https://incident-prevention.com/subscribe-now/ Register for the iP Utility Safety Conference & Expo - https://utilitysafetyconference.com/ ________________________________ This podcast is sponsored by T&D Powerskills. If you are looking for a comprehensive lineworker training solution, visit tdpowerskills.com today and use the exclusive podcast listener promo code IP2025 to receive a 5% discount!

    40 min

  8. 12/01/2025

    Safety by Design - Human and Organizational Performance with Pam Tompkins CSP, CUSP

    Read the article - https://incident-prevention.com/blog/safety-by-design-human-and-organizational-performance/   In this installment of the Safety by Design podcast series, host Nick sits down with Pam Tompkins, President and CEO of SET Solutions, to explore the transformative philosophy of Human and Organizational Performance (HOP). Based on her latest article in Incident Prevention magazine, Pam breaks down why traditional, compliance-based safety programs often fall short in high-risk utility environments. Listeners will discover how shifting from a "blame culture" to a "learning culture" can drastically improve safety outcomes. Pam details the five core principles of HOP, offering actionable advice on how to identify predictable "error traps," why context matters in human decision-making, and how leadership's response to failure defines an organization's future. Whether you are a frontline leader or a safety executive, this episode provides the blueprint for building a resilient system that protects employees even when mistakes happen. Keywords: Safety by Design, Human and Organizational Performance, HOP Principles, Utility Safety, Safety Culture, Pam Tompkins, Incident Prevention, Error Traps, Operational Learning.   Key Takeaways   The "Blame" Trap vs. System Design: Traditional safety often assumes employees should be perfect 100% of the time. HOP accepts that people will make mistakes and focuses on fixing the systems (procedures, equipment, pressures) that support them, rather than trying to "fix" the people. The 5 Principles of HOP: The episode outlines five foundational principles: People will make mistakes. Error-likely situations are predictable. All human actions are influenced by context. Operational upsets can be avoided. How we respond to failure matters. Identifying Error Traps: Many incidents are preceded by "error traps"—predictable conditions like fatigue (working 16+ hours), unfamiliar tasks (e.g., a mobile sub not used in a year), or unclear switching orders. Identifying these early prevents errors from becoming accidents. The Critical Role of Leadership Response: A leader’s reaction to a failure determines if an organization learns or hides. Asking "Who messed up?" creates fear, while asking "What conditions led to this?" builds trust and encourages the reporting of near-misses. Learning From Daily Work: You don't have to wait for a major accident to learn. Simple habits, like a two-minute "after-action review" at the tailgate or informal learning teams, can uncover operational gaps before they cause harm. Questions & Answers   Q1: What is the biggest misconception about adopting Human and Organizational Performance (HOP) in the workplace? A: The biggest misconception is that HOP ignores accountability. In reality, HOP shifts accountability from "who is to blame" to "how do we fix the system." It acknowledges that while individuals are responsible for their actions, they often work within flawed systems that set them up for failure. As Pam Tompkins explains, you cannot fix a human being, but you can fix the pressures, tools, and procedures that influence their decisions. Q2: What are some practical examples of "error traps" that utility crews face? A: "Error traps" are specific conditions that increase the probability of a mistake. Common examples discussed in the podcast include: Fatigue: Crews working long shifts during storm restoration. Infrequent Tasks: Performing a job or using equipment (like a mobile substation) that hasn't been touched in months. Poor Documentation: Switching orders that bundle multiple critical tasks into a single step without checks and balances. Production Pressure: Implicit or explicit messages from management prioritizing speed over safety protocols. Q3: How can a team start implementing HOP principles tomorrow without a massive administrative overhaul? A: Implementation can start with a simple question. Pam suggests that frontline leaders ask their crews daily: "What part of your job is most likely to hurt someone today, and what gets in the way of doing it safely?" Additionally, shifting the post-incident conversation from discipline to curiosity—asking "Walk me through what happened" instead of "Why didn't you follow the rule?"—immediately begins to build the trust necessary for a HOP culture.   Get in contact with Pam - https://setsolutionsllc.com/   #SafetyByDesign #UtilitySafety #SafetyManagementSystem #ProactiveSafety #LeadingIndicators #WorkplaceSafety #SafetyCulture   OSHA Power Electric Standards Course -  https://ip-institute.com/osha-electric-power-standards/ Subscribe to Incident Prevention Magazine - https://incident-prevention.com/subscribe-now/ Register for the iP Utility Safety Conference & Expo - https://utilitysafetyconference.com/ ________________________________ This podcast is sponsored by T&D Powerskills. If you are looking for a comprehensive lineworker training solution, visit tdpowerskills.com today and use the exclusive podcast listener promo code IP2025 to receive a 5% discount!

    47 min
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Come listen to an extension of some of the excellent utility safety & ops safety content published in Incident Prevention magazine. Dive deeper into insightful safety topics by hearing interviews with the some of the best and brightest minds in the industry! Learn more about Incident Prevention magazine at incident-prevention.com

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