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. 3d ago

    Utility Safety Podcast - Deep Dive - Plan It, Brief It, Build It - A Guide to Safer Utility Work Zones

    What looks like a static inconvenience to a morning commuter is a highly kinetic, volatile environment for a utility worker. In this breakdown of Michelle Marsh’s Incident Prevention article, "Plan It, Brief It, Build It," we explore the hidden anatomy of a safe utility work zone. Discover how the literal laws of physics, driver psychology, and cutting-edge technology—like automated flagger assistance devices (AFADs) and smart cones—combine to keep crews alive. We also dive into why the empty buffer space is sacred ground and how hardwiring verbal reflexes can save lives in a fraction of a second.   Read the article: https://incident-prevention.com/blog/plan-it-brief-it-build-it-a-guide-to-safer-utility-work-zones/   Key Takeaways Harm Hides in Three Patterns: Most vehicle intrusions occur due to high-speed approaches from drivers experiencing cognitive tunneling, task pressure causing crews to rush during setup or teardown, and incomplete separation due to improperly measured tapers and buffers. The Buffer Space is a Calculated Void: It is strictly forbidden to park equipment or trucks in the work zone's buffer space. It is engineered as a two-second recovery room for errant drivers; placing a truck there turns it into a deadly projectile that transfers kinetic energy directly into the workspace. Briefings Program a "Panic Override": In moments of severe cognitive overload, workers cannot process complex instructions. Establishing simple, hardwired verbal cues (like "Clear right!") bypasses the thinking brain and taps directly into survival muscle memory. Technology Removes Biological Fatigue: Automated Flagger Assistance Devices (AFADs) replace vulnerable humans on the edge of the asphalt. This eliminates safety errors caused by physical exhaustion, heat stress, or smartphone distractions. Measure the Dents, Not the Bites: Safety cultures must proactively track vehicle intrusions, or near-misses, rather than relying on lagging historical injury statistics. An intrusion without an injury is still a system barrier failure that requires immediate investigation and correction. Q&A Q: Why is it strictly forbidden to park a utility truck in the seemingly empty buffer space of a work zone? A: The buffer space is intentionally designed as an energy dissipation zone and recovery room. If a speeding vehicle breaches the taper, that empty space provides two to three critical seconds for the driver to brake and regain control. Parking a heavy truck there eliminates this recovery window and introduces a catastrophic transfer of kinetic energy. If struck, the truck is violently pushed forward, weaponizing the company vehicle into a deadly projectile aimed directly at the workers. Q: Why should utility companies track vehicle intrusions (near-misses) instead of just relying on historical injury statistics? A: Injury rates are lagging indicators that only reflect instances where the entire safety system catastrophically failed and someone was hurt. Tracking vehicle intrusions where no one was harmed is a proactive metric because it measures the failure of the physical barrier itself. By studying these near-misses, organizations can identify and correct physical flaws—such as incorrect taper geometry or obscured signage—before a worker actually gets injured. #UtilitySafety #WorkZoneSafety #IncidentPrevention #TrafficControl #LineworkerSafety #EHSCulture   _______________________________ 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!

  2. Nov 1

    Tailgate Topics - Coaching Courage - Breaking Down Social Barriers on the Job Site

    In this episode of Tailgate Topics, Rod Courtney and Nick discuss Daniel Cooper's impactful article, "Coaching Courage on the Front Line". They dive deep into the psychological and emotional needs of utility workers, exploring why human nature's biological craving for comfort often prevents employees from speaking up about safety hazards. The hosts unpack the critical difference between physical courage and "social courage," explaining why simply telling a crew they have "stop work authority" is not enough. Listeners will walk away with actionable "upstream thinking" strategies—such as practicing verbal safety commitments and leading with vulnerability—to build human connection, foster trust, and ultimately ensure everyone goes home safe.   Read the article: https://incident-prevention.com/blog/coaching-courage-on-the-front-line/   Key Takeaways: Social Courage vs. Physical Courage: Line workers rarely lack physical courage, but they often lack the "social courage" needed to speak up, admit confusion, or stop a job. Comfort is Biological: It is human nature and wired into our brains to seek comfort and social acceptance, which is why employees often stay quiet to avoid making waves. Stop Work Authority Must Be Practiced: "Stop work authority" can become just a catchy buzz phrase or an empty checkbox on a JSA if it isn't actively practiced. Workers should verbally state out loud to the group that they will stop anything unsafe they see that day. Vulnerability Equals Trust: Leaders must build trust by modeling vulnerability, which can be as simple as owning up to the mistakes they have made. Upstream Thinking Saves Lives: Building human connections and taking the time to learn personal details about coworkers is a form of proactive, upstream thinking that ultimately breaks down social barriers and prevents injuries. Start Work Authority: Taking 10 seconds at the end of a JSA to have every crew member verbally confirm that they feel the planned work is safe helps build their "courage muscle". 3 Questions and Answers: Question 1: Why does "stop work authority" often fail in real-world practice on the job site? Answer: It often fails because humans inherently crave social acceptance and want to avoid making waves, leading to a lack of social courage. Furthermore, if "stop work authority" is never verbally practiced in front of peers, workers will struggle to use it when a real hazard arises. Question 2: How can supervisors implement "Start Work Authority" to improve safety culture? Answer: At the end of a Job Safety Analysis (JSA), a supervisor should ask for a quick verbal understanding from every person on the crew confirming that they feel what they are about to do is safe. This brief exercise helps workers actively engage rather than just passively listening while looking at their phones.   Subscribe to Incident Prevention Magazine - https://incident-prevention.com/subscribe-now/ Register for the iP Utility Safety Conference & Expo - https://utilitysafetyconference.com/     #SafetyCulture #UtilitySafety #StopWorkAuthority #CoachingCourage #TailgateTopics   _______________________________ 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!

  3. Nov 1

    Voice of Experience - Social Media Outrage: Real Talk On Utility Social Media Missteps - Danny Raines, CUSP

    This episode examines the growing trend of high-risk line worker behavior posted on social media and its impact on the utility industry. Hosted alongside industry veteran Danny Raines, CUSP, the discussion addresses "cowboy behavior," improper use of protective equipment, and shortcuts taken for online attention. The hosts emphasize how these dangerous viral trends compromise job safety, influence incoming trade professionals, and create liability risks for workers and supervisors alike.   Watch the video here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7oT344UK5o&lc=UgzTWt2JgwKFJzzlp-t4AaABAg   Key Takeaways   ⚬ Social Media Influence vs. Safety: Viral videos showing stunt-like antics (e.g., performing pull-ups on lines or standing on bucket edges) promote unsafe shortcuts and set hazardous precedents for young, incoming line workers.   ⚬ Liability and Professional Consequences: Unsafe acts posted online can lead to termination, voided insurance coverage during accidents, and even serve as evidence in legal proceedings or court depositions.   ⚬ Layered Protection & Human Error: Over-reliance on technical skills without proper cover-up equipment leaves zero margin for error when unexpected distractions, fatigue, or environmental hazards occur.   ⚬ Supervisory Accountability: Supervisors who witness or ignore unsafe social media posts or on-site behaviors implicitly endorse those actions, increasing team risk and liability.   Questions & Answers   Q1: Why is "cowboy behavior" on social media considered particularly dangerous for the utility industry? A: Beyond the immediate risk of severe injury or death, it sets a dangerous example for new, inexperienced workers entering the trade. Young line workers may assume bypassing safety regulations or skipping protective cover-ups is the standard way to prove capability or gain peer approval.   Q2: How can short social media clips impact a line worker’s career or legal standing? A: Algorithms often surface these videos to colleagues, supervisors, and industry higher-ups, which can lead to immediate disciplinary action or termination. Furthermore, safety clips posted online can be subpoenaed and used as evidence during accident investigations, legal depositions, or insurance claim denials.   Q3: Why do safety experts advocate for comprehensive cover-up equipment even when a worker feels confident in their skills? A: Technical skill alone does not account for human error, fatigue, or unexpected distractions like insect stings or sudden loss of balance. Proper cover-up serves as a crucial secondary barrier ("Plan B") to prevent accidental ground or phase contact when things do not go according to plan.   #LinemanSafety #UtilityIndustry #LineWorker #SafetyFirst #IncidentPrevention #WorkplaceSafety #ElectricalSafety #HumanPerformance   _______________________________ 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!

  4. Oct 9

    Utility Safety Podcast - Deep Dive - What Defines a Journeyman Cable Splicer? by Mark Savage

    In this episode, we dive into Mark Savage’s recent Incident Prevention article, "What Defines a Journeyman Cable Splicer?" We explore why earning this respected title requires so much more than simply knowing how to splice a cable. We discuss the rigorous demands of a proper apprenticeship—from thousands of supervised field hours to comprehensive classroom instruction—and why a true journeyman's ability to troubleshoot an entire underground electrical system sets them apart from others who only do occasional splicing work.   Read the article: https://incident-prevention.com/blog/what-defines-a-journeyman-cable-splicer/   Key Takeaways Mastery Beyond the Splice: Becoming a journeyman cable splicer requires a highly structured apprenticeship, demanding thousands of hours of field experience and extensive study of electrical theory, network operations, and cable failure mechanisms. System-Wide Troubleshooting: True journeymen don't just install splice kits; they understand the entire distribution system. They are equipped to locate faults, test cables, diagnose root causes of failures, and safely restore critical infrastructure. Certifications Have Limits: While short-term manufacturer training programs and NCSCB certifications are great for verifying product-specific installation skills or baseline technical knowledge, they cannot replace the comprehensive, system-level education gained through a formal apprenticeship. A Distinct Specialization: Journeymen inside wiremen and lineworkers are highly skilled professionals who may occasionally perform splicing tasks. However, cable splicing remains a distinct specialization requiring unique depth and focus on underground medium-voltage systems that other trade programs do not cover.   2 Questions and Answers Q1: How does a manufacturer's certification differ from a journeyman cable splicer's apprenticeship? Answer: Manufacturer certifications usually take only one to three days and verify that an individual knows how to correctly install a specific brand's medium-voltage products. An apprenticeship, on the other hand, provides years of comprehensive education and field experience, giving the worker the system-level knowledge required to diagnose faults and troubleshoot an entire electrical network. Q2: Why shouldn't a utility rely solely on a journeyman lineworker or inside wireman for complex underground splicing work? Answer: While lineworkers and wiremen are incredibly skilled, their apprenticeships focus heavily on overhead transmission/distribution or commercial/industrial systems, respectively. A cable splicer’s training zeroes in specifically on the complexities of underground distribution systems, enabling them to safely manage advanced tasks like hot vault construction, complex network protector operations, and deep cable fault investigations that fall outside standard overhead or inside wiring training.   Subscribe to Incident Prevention Magazine - https://incident-prevention.com/subscribe-now/ Register for the iP Utility Safety Conference & Expo - https://utilitysafetyconference.com/   #CableSplicer #UtilitySafety #Apprenticeship #UndergroundDistribution #IncidentPrevention   _______________________________ 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!

  5. Oct 1

    Voice of Experience - Mastering the Boom with Danny Raines, CUSP

    In this episode of Mastering the Boom, host Nick sits down with industry veteran Danny Raines to discuss the fundamental safe work practices required when operating aerial devices and bucket trucks. Driven by concerning trends and social media posts, Danny reviews critical procedures—ranging from essential pre-trip inspections and lower control operations to fall protection requirements and proper outrigger deployment. The discussion highlights the dangers of overloading buckets, hanging metallic tools on non-insulated exteriors, removing dielectric liners, and failing to maintain minimum approach distances near energized equipment. Danny emphasizes that adhering to established safety rules and standards is essential to preventing bucket fires, accidental contact, and severe workplace injuries.   Read Danny's Articles: https://incident-prevention.com/blog/category/voice-of-experience/ Key Takeaways Pre-Operation Checks: Operators must perform a Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) before driving and test the lower controls daily before entering or elevating the bucket. Dielectric Safety Awareness: Only the upper boom section between the knuckle and the bucket is dielectric tested; the fiberglass bucket itself relies on an insulated liner, which must never be removed or compromised. Avoid Overloading & Misuse: Hanging tools or heavy materials on the outside of non-insulated bucket exteriors reduces clearance, violates weight limits, and increases the risk of accidental electrical contact or bucket fires. Questions & Answers Q1: What are the essential pre-use requirements before elevating a bucket truck? A: Before using a bucket truck, operators must perform a pre-trip inspection (DVIR). Before entering the bucket or raising the boom, they must operate the lower controls to verify functionality and ensure they are wearing approved fall protection with an attachment point, full-body harness, and expandable lanyard. Q2: Which part of a bucket truck is actually dielectric tested, and why are liners critical? A: Only the upper boom portion between the bucket connection and the knuckle is dielectric tested. The outer fiberglass bucket is not insulated, so the dielectric liner provides the necessary electrical protection for the operator. Removing the liner to increase weight capacity removes this crucial safeguard and creates a severe hazard. Q3: How does hanging equipment on the outside of a bucket compromise worker safety? A: Hanging metallic tools, hand lines, or hardware on the bucket exterior can overload the unit beyond its rated weight capacity and breach the minimum approach distance. Because the outer bucket is uninsulated, conductive items on the exterior can cause arcing, hydraulic hose ignition, or bucket fires near energized lines.   #UtilitySafety #MasteringTheBoom #LinemanSafety #BucketTruckSafety #IncidentPrevention   _______________________________ 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!

  6. Oct 1

    Safety By Design - Implementation and Operation with Pam Tompkins CSP, CUSP

    In this fifth installment of the Safety by Design series, host Nick welcomes back Pam Tompkins to discuss her article, "Safety by Design: Implementation and Operation". Focusing on the ANSI/ASSP Z10 standard, Pam breaks down how utility and safety leaders can transition from planning to real-world execution. The conversation explores bridging the gap between "work as imagined" and "work as done," emphasizing that operational units must take proactive ownership of safety protocols rather than treating safety as a standalone department responsibility. Key topics include operational planning, integrating front-line workers into rule development, effective change management, maintaining electrical and mechanical systems, and establishing strong contractor safety standards. Key Takeaways Operational Ownership: Safety cannot be bottlenecked in the safety department; operational leaders and front-line workers must take proactive ownership to integrate safety directly into daily procedures. Proactive Change Management: Constant industry evolution requires structured change management to train employees, introduce new equipment, and ensure safety long before workers arrive at a job site. Bridging the Gap: To align "work as imagined" with "work as done," leadership must continuously seek feedback from front-line workers to eliminate operational flaws and impractical rules. Questions & Answers Q1: Why does safety often get bottlenecked in organizations, and how can leaders fix it? A: Safety gets bottlenecked when organizations view it as a forced requirement focused solely on OSHA compliance rather than a driver of success. To fix this, leadership must shift from compliance to continuous improvement, ensuring operational leaders own the safety process while safety professionals act as facilitators. Q2: What is the biggest disconnect between leadership's expectations and front-line reality? A: The biggest disconnect occurs when leadership focuses strictly on theoretical "work as imagined" while ignoring how tasks are actually executed in the field. This often leaves workers unable to follow impractical rules in real-world environments, highlighting the need for leadership to visit job sites, listen to feedback, and assess operational processes. Q3: What immediate step should a frontline supervisor take to start building a culture of responsibility? A: Supervisors should change the daily dialogue on the front line by asking workers, "What’s the worst thing that can happen on our job site today?" and using their feedback to proactively address operational hazards, communication gaps, and outdated maintenance.   #UtilitySafety #SafetyByDesign #SafetyManagementSystems #WorkplaceSafety #IncidentPrevention   _______________________________ 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!

  7. Sep 1

    Utility Safety Podcast - Deep Dive - Choosing Courage Over Comfort on the Front Line Written By Daniel Cooper, CUSP

    In this episode, we dive into the powerful concepts behind Daniel Cooper’s article, "Coaching Courage on the Front Line." While the electrical and utility industries have advanced equipment and rigorous training, many safety failures still stem from a lack of courage rather than a lack of knowledge. Join us as we explore the inner strength it takes to challenge unsafe behaviors, utilize stop-work authority, and prioritize human lives over pride. We discuss how leaders can normalize speaking up, how job briefings can be used to foster psychological safety, and why addressing emotional and mental well-being is just as vital as physical safety in high-consequence environments. Tune in to learn how we can culturally train our workforce to consistently choose courage when comfort is the easier option.   Read the article: https://incident-prevention.com/blog/coaching-courage-on-the-front-line/   Key Takeaways Courage is a Muscle: Just like technical skills and safety procedures, the social courage to speak up, intervene, and navigate peer pressure can be intentionally developed and strengthened through repetition. The Comfort Trap: Human beings naturally crave comfort, which often tempts workers to stay quiet to avoid making waves or embarrassing themselves. True safety culture thrives in the space between social comfort and the courage required to protect lives. Transforming Job Briefings: Job briefings shouldn't just be paperwork exercises. They are critical opportunities to establish psychological safety and send the message that every crew member's voice and concerns matter. Leadership Vulnerability is Key: Instructors and leaders who model humility and openly share their own past mistakes foster trust. This gives young workers the permission to be human and the confidence to communicate without fear. Emotional Safety Equals Physical Safety: The industry must stop separating physical safety from emotional safety. A worker distracted by mental exhaustion or a personal crisis is a risk on the job site; the courage to stop an unsafe job is the exact same fortitude needed to check on a coworker's mental health. Questions & Answers Q1: Why do workers often hesitate to use their stop-work authority even when they spot a clear hazard? A1: Invoking stop-work authority requires immense social courage on top of procedural knowledge. Workers—especially apprentices—may hesitate because they fear ridicule, retaliation, or missing a production deadline. To fix this, management must actively foster a working environment where speaking up is not only accepted but expected and respected. Q2: How does a worker's emotional or mental state impact job site safety? A2: In high-consequence environments, distraction can be fatal. A worker struggling with a personal crisis, depression, or mental exhaustion is at a significantly higher risk for an incident. Truly protecting employees means communicating past ego and utilizing the same courage required for physical safety interventions to check on a teammate's emotional well-being.   #SafetyCulture #FrontlineLeadership #UtilitySafety #WorkplaceCourage #MentalHealthInTrades   _______________________________ 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!

  8. Sep 1

    Utility Safety Podcast - Switchgear Safety & Breaking the "Tribal Knowledge" Habit with George Cole Part 2

    In high-voltage environments, what you can’t see can kill you. While traditional open-air substations display their isolation points and energized components out in the open, enclosed switchgear conceals its dangers behind metal panels and doors. In this episode, we sit down with industry safety expert George T. Cole (CUSP, CESCP, CESW, CIT, SGE) to dissect why switchgear design creates unique, deadly hazards—from complex internal cross-connects to the explosive threat of an "Arc-in-a-Box". George breaks down the crucial difference between OSHA’s often misunderstood term "deenergized" and NFPA 70E’s 8-step process for establishing an Electrically Safe Work Condition (ESWC). We examine real-world case studies where simple, routine jobs nearly turned fatal due to human error precursors like overconfidence, poor work order instructions, and an overreliance on "tribal knowledge". Finally, we explore how utility safety professionals can elevate their careers and eliminate the dangerous "we’ve always done it that way" mindset through the Utility Safety & Ops Leadership Network (USOLN) and the Certified Utility Safety Professional (CUSP) credential.   Key Takeaways Unique Design = Unique Hazard: Unlike traditional open-air substations where clearance points and conductors are visible, switchgear conceals energized parts behind panel doors, placing workers inside shock boundaries or minimum approach distances the moment a cover is removed. Compliance is Only the Bare Minimum: Relying solely on OSHA regulations helps avoid fines, but ESFI injury data shows it isn't enough to stop severe electrical shocks and burns in the utility sector. Transition to ESWC: Rather than assuming equipment is safe because it is labeled "deenergized," crews must complete NFPA 70E’s systematic 8-step process to verify an Electrically Safe Work Condition (ESWC). Live-Dead-Live Protocol: Performing Live-Dead-Live voltage testing at each specific point of work and before moving between internal compartments serves as a vital final barrier against electrical accidents. Eliminate "Tribal Knowledge": Relying on informal habits, handwritten notes on cabinet doors, or the mindset of "we've always done it that way" are primary error precursors that lead to catastrophic failures. Questions & Answers Q1: Why is the term "deenergized" so easily misunderstood in high-voltage switchgear work, and how does NFPA 70E solve this? Answer: OSHA defines "deenergized" as being free from electrical connections to a voltage source. However, under OSHA utility regulations, equipment operating above 600V must also have correctly installed Temporary Protective Grounds (TPGs) forming an Equipotential Zone (EPZ) before it can be worked on as deenergized. Without TPGs, it must still be treated as energized. NFPA 70E removes this ambiguity by replacing subjective assumptions with an Electrically Safe Work Condition (ESWC)—a strict, mandatory 8-step verification process that requires reviewing up-to-date drawings, isolating all feeds, testing for absence of voltage at each point of work, and applying grounds. Q2: What human performance factors contributed to the near-fatal switchgear incidents highlighted in the case studies? Answer: In the presentation's case studies, the primary human error precursors included inaccurate risk perception, overconfidence, complacency, high workloads, and poorly written work orders. In one case, an electrician relied on an unauthorized handwritten note on a cabinet door, which caused him to miss exposed, uninsulated 13.8kV wires in an adjacent cubicle. Both incidents highlighted that the single biggest driver of electrical accidents is an over-reliance on "tribal knowledge" and a culture that accepts the paradigm "we've always done it that way."     Learn more, view the schedule, or register for the event at the iP Utility Safety Conference & Expo. Connect with George Cole - https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-cole-cescp-cusp-cesw-cit-sge-57921851/   #ElectricalSafety #UtilitySafety #SwitchgearHazards #CUSP   _______________________________ 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!

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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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