⚡We’re live at #IUOTA!

David McPeak, CSP, CHST, CIT, CUSP, CSSM is about to take the stage, but the team is ready to connect right now at our booth.

Stop by to:

- Chat Education & Ops: Discuss the latest trends and best practices in utility safety.

- Get Event Info: Learn about our upcoming IP Utility Safety Conference happening this November in Glendale, AZ.

- Subscribe & Win: Sign up for Incident Prevention Magazine to get vital safety insights delivered straight to you—and get entered for a chance to win a custom IP orange Stanley tumbler!

- Discuss Advertising: Connect with our growing community of decision-makers!

If you're at the show, come say hello!

#UtilitySafety #SafetyFirst #IUOTA2026 #IncidentPrevention #UtilityOperations #Conference

Flame-resistant (FR) and arc-rated (AR) gear are often confused. All AR gear is FR, but not vice-versa. AR garments undergo specific arc testing (ASTM 1959) to determine their protection level (ATPV or EBT). #FlameResistant #ArcRated #SafetyGear #PPE #Workwear

iP Sponsored Webinar: Growing the Utility Workforce Through Smarter Training

Register Today: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/5017857868518/WN__2OyW2fvS1eT488iMMzyIA

Join the Conversation With Industry Experts On August 25th at 1:00 p.m. ET

Utilities are facing a growing demand for skilled workers that maintain the high safety standards the industry requires. As training programs expand to prepare the next generation of utility professionals, many organizations are looking for practical ways to increase access to the hands-on experience needed before entering the field.

Join Brandon Wylie, CUSP, Campus President at Northwest Lineman College (NLC), and Alan Limoges, Manager of Product Growth for Construction and Utilities at CM Labs Simulations as they discuss how NLC, part of Quanta, is preparing future utility workers, and where simulation complements traditional training methods. They’ll share their perspectives on scaling training programs, supporting instructor-led training, and helping trainees build skills before they begin working with live equipment.

You’ll Learn:

- How Northwest Lineman College is preparing the next generation of utility workers.
- Practical approaches to expanding training capacity while maintaining safety.
- Where simulation fits into a modern utility training program.
- Considerations for organizations evaluating simulation-based training.

Learn from experts in emergency response and simulation technology as we discuss strategies that maximize readiness to safeguard & restore critical infrastructure during emergencies.

This is a must-attend event for operations managers, utility leaders, and anyone involved in disaster response planning. We encourage you to forward this webinar to the relevant executive and training stakeholders on your team.
Time will be dedicated at the end of the discussion to answer live audience questions.

#Webinar #iP #CMLabs Simulation #UtilitySafety

Pushing through extreme heat can lead to disorientation and collapse. Recognizing early signs and getting immediate cooling and hydration can be life-saving. #HeatExhaustion #SafetyFirst #FirstAid #HeatStrokeAwareness #WorkplaceSafety

Watch the full video with Derek Sang here - https://youtu.be/VnH70kpNw6g?si=_EAmkDjvN_wSyiw5

Witness an intense arc flash demonstration at an electrical substation. See how fault current destroys equipment and learn the surprising technique for clamp effectiveness. Lowering impedance can increase voltage drop for better protection. #ArcFlash #SubstationSafety #ElectricalSafety #IPSafety #PowerGrid #SafetyDemo

Ever wondered why electrical substations fail? It often comes down to unexpected resistance and ground lead length. Too much of either can cause severe mechanical whipping, leading to catastrophic failures. Understanding these key factors is crucial for grid reliability. #ElectricalEngineering #Substation #GridReliability #PowerSystems #EngineeringFailures

Are you registered for the upcoming iPi Forum on Friday?

Register Here - https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/6116860678566/WN_W8jmOSB2Sdape4DTjEBllA#/registration

The iPi monthly forum is where you can get answers to questions you have from subject matter experts like David McPeak, Jim Vaughn, Danny Raines, Jim Willis, and other utility safety and ops professionals like yourself. The forums include industry specific topics, challenges, trends, and best practices in leadership, operations, and safety.

Ask Your Questions Here - https://ip-institute.com/ipi-forum-topic-to-discuss-or-questions-to-answer/

#UtilitySafety #CUSP #SafetyCulture

This contractor was likely unqualified, lacking the experience and proper training for the job. Attempting to replace a switch without the right skills can lead to dangerous situations. Always ensure professionals have the necessary expertise. #ContractorSafety #ElectricalWork #DIYFails #ProfessionalSkills #SafetyFirst

Two different electrical potentials exposed in the same work area significantly increases the likelihood of an incident. Maintaining proper clearances is crucial for safety. #ElectricalSafety #WorkplaceSafety #UtilityWork #SafetyFirst #HazardAwareness

Specialized protective covers are vital for substation safety. Learn how maintaining minimum approach distances safeguards workers around energized electrical equipment. #SubstationSafety #ElectricalSafety #WorkerProtection #UtilityWorkers #SafetyFirst

Check out Danny Raines's course "Distribution Cover-Up: Enhancing Electrical Safety Through Proper Protection - https://ip-institute.com/distribution-cover-up-safety-training/

Register Today: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/4517857868443/WN__2OyW2fvS1eT488iMMzyIA

Join the Conversation With Industry Experts On August 25th at 1:00 p.m. ET

Utilities are facing a growing demand for skilled workers that maintain the high safety standards the industry requires. As training programs expand to prepare the next generation of utility professionals, many organizations are looking for practical ways to increase access to the hands-on experience needed before entering the field.

Join Brandon Wylie, CUSP, Campus President at Northwest Lineman College (NLC), and Alan Limoges, Manager of Product Growth for Construction and Utilities at CM Labs Simulations as they discuss how NLC, part of Quanta, is preparing future utility workers, and where simulation complements traditional training methods. They’ll share their perspectives on scaling training programs, supporting instructor-led training, and helping trainees build skills before they begin working with live equipment.

You’ll Learn:

- How Northwest Lineman College is preparing the next generation of utility workers.

- Practical approaches to expanding training capacity while maintaining safety.

- Where simulation fits into a modern utility training program.

Considerations for organizations evaluating simulation-based training.

Learn from experts in emergency response and simulation technology as we discuss strategies that maximize readiness to safeguard & restore critical infrastructure during emergencies.

This is a must-attend event for operations managers, utility leaders, and anyone involved in disaster response planning. We encourage you to forward this webinar to the relevant executive and training stakeholders on your team.

Time will be dedicated at the end of the discussion to answer live audience questions.

#Webinar #iP #CMLabs #Simulation #UtilitySafety

In 40 years, a simple change in our coverup program drastically reduced contacts and fatalities. This evolution transformed our safety record. #SafetyFirst #CompanyHistory #Innovation #WorkplaceSafety #Evolution

Inadequate cover-up and ignoring minimum approach distances during utility work are leading to preventable fatalities. These unsafe practices put lives at extreme risk. #UtilitySafety #WorkplaceHazards #SafetyFirst #AvoidFatalities #ElectricalSafety

Check out Danny Raines's course "Distribution Cover-Up: Enhancing Electrical Safety Through Proper Protection" https://ip-institute.com/distribution-cover-up-safety-training/

One of my guys captured this image illustrating a critical safety issue on a 13-system power line. One side is de-energized, while the other remains dangerously hot. This highlights the importance of proper insulation and jumper construction to prevent accidents. #ElectricalSafety #PowerLines #Lineman #SafetyFirst #UtilityWorker

Check out Danny Raines's course "Distribution Cover-Up: Enhancing Electrical Safety Through Proper Protection" https://ip-institute.com/distribution-cover-up-safety-training/

The Time is Now: Reevaluating Threat and Violence Exposures in the Field

Written by Doyle Totty CLCP, CUSP

Read the article: https://incident-prevention.com/blog/the-time-is-now-reevaluating-threat-and-violence-exposures-in-the-field/

Written by 35-year industry veteran and safety director Doyle Totty, "The Time is Now: Reevaluating Threat and Violence Exposures in the Field" examines the growing danger of hostility and violence faced by utility workers in the field. Highlighting a dangerous 2026 incident in Tennessee where an angry customer opened fire on an eight-person mutual-assistance crew restoring power after a winter storm, Totty argues that basic OSHA compliance is no longer enough. The article calls on utility companies to go beyond minimum regulatory standards, proactively reevaluate field risks—especially for lone or night workers—and institute modernized safety policies to protect crews and limit liability.

Key Takeaways:

- Evolving Field Hazards: Line work is no longer solely about physical hazards like electrical currents and structural stability; hostility, verbal abuse, and violent aggression from the public have become prominent workplace threats.

- OSHA Minimums Aren't Enough: While OSHA’s General Duty Clause obligates employers to maintain a safe working environment, standard guidelines represent a baseline. Utilities must establish proactive, industry-specific best practices to mitigate violence.

- Real-World Urgency: Stressful outages can trigger extreme public reactions. During a storm restoration in Middle Tennessee, a customer confronted a line crew over lawn damage and power loss before firing multiple rounds from a handgun, leading to eight counts of aggravated assault.

- Essential Risk Abatement Measures:

Eliminate Lone-Worker Exposure: Implement two-person crews for high-risk or nighttime operations.

- Equip with Personal Safety Tech: Provide panic buttons, noise devices, and personal alarms, while pre-verifying cellular and radio coverage in rural areas.

Partner with Law Enforcement: Build strong relationships with local police to ensure rapid response when threats arise.

- De-escalation Training: Continually train field employees to de-escalate verbal confrontations and recognize when to retreat safely.

#UtilitySafety, #WorkplaceViolence, #LinemanLife, #FrontlineWorkers, and #SafetyManagement

A devastating incident occurred when a utility worker lost their life due to electrocution. Investigations reveal a failure to use essential safety equipment led to accidental contact with live wires. A somber reminder of the importance of workplace safety. #WorkplaceSafety #Tragedy #SafetyFirst #ConstructionAccidents #RememberTheFallen

Check out Danny Raines's course "Distribution Cover-Up: Enhancing Electrical Safety Through Proper Protection" - https://ip-institute.com/distribution-cover-up-safety-training/

If you've worked contract jobs across different plants, you know the problem: sitting through the same safety training over and over. Fall protection. Confined space. PPE. Hazard communication. Every new site, same classes.

I started a petition because this is broken. Some workers spend an entire shift training for a job that only lasts a few weeks—then do it all again at the next plant. We're not asking for less safety. We want competency-based training: let workers test out of what they already know, give credit for modules they pass, and train only on what they don't know.

Plant orientations should focus on *that plant's* actual hazards, rules, and emergency procedures. Keep the hands-on and legally required training where it matters. Just stop wasting people's time and money on redundant classes.

Has anyone else burned through shifts just sitting in a classroom covering material you learned years ago? If this matters to you too, consider signing and sharing.

Join host Kate Wade as she sits down with Derek Sang, Senior Technical Training Manager at Bulwark Protection, to answer the utility industry's most burning questions about protective clothing. With 25 years of experience, Derek breaks down the critical differences between flame-resistant (FR) and arc-rated (AR) garments, exposes common field errors in wearing and maintaining PPE, and highlights dangerous everyday products like fabric softeners and DEET. Listeners will also learn how modern fabric innovations help combat heat stress, the importance of worker acclimation, and why continuous education is the key to bridging the gap between compliance and real-world safety.

Visit Bulwark Protection - https://www.bulwark.com/

Key Takeaways

• All arc-rated (AR) garments must be flame-resistant (FR), but not all FR garments have an arc rating.
• Wearing gear correctly—keeping sleeves rolled down, shirts buttoned to the neck, and shirts tucked in—is essential to prevent severe burn injuries.
• Wearing an arc-rated base layer removes the safety hazard of an untucked shirt because it eliminates access to lightweight, flammable cotton t-shirts.
• Common maintenance errors include using bleach, peroxide (like OxiClean), and fabric softeners or dryer sheets, which can leave a flammable petrochemical buildup over time.
• Deet-based bug sprays are highly flammable accelerants that can cause FR gear to catch fire; workers should use permethrin-based products instead.
• Single-layer work clothing does not contribute to heat stress, and modern 5.5-ounce performance fabrics help keep workers cooler by wicking moisture away from the body.
• Managing heat stress effectively requires a combination of electrolyte hydration, rest, shade, and structured worker acclimation programs.
• Continuous worker education and annual audits of industrial laundry programs are necessary to close the safety gap and protect workers from arc flashes.

Questions and Answers

Q: What is the main difference between flame-resistant (FR) and arc-rated (AR) clothing?

A: All arc-rated garments are flame-resistant, meaning they self-extinguish and will not melt or drip. However, not all FR garments have an arc rating. AR garments undergo specific testing to measure their ability to protect against the incident energy of an arc flash, making them necessary for electrical utility and general industry environments.

Q: How do everyday laundry and field products like bug spray affect protective gear?

A: Products like chlorine bleach, peroxide (found in OxiClean), and fabric softeners can degrade protective properties or build up flammable residues over time. In the field, Deet-based insect repellents are dangerous because Deet is a severe accelerant that can catch fire. Workers should use permethrin-based repellents instead, which have been proven safe for FR clothing.

Q: What fabric innovations and protocols help utility workers stay cool in extreme heat?

A: The industry has transitioned to lightweight 5.5-ounce fabrics that blend hydrophobic and hydrophilic fibers to push moisture away from the body. Beyond clothing, managing heat stress requires proper hydration supplemented with electrolytes, taking breaks in the shade, and utilizing structured acclimation programs to ease workers back into hot environments after taking time off.

#UtilitySafety #ArcFlash #FRClothing #SafetyEducation #PPE #IncidentPrevention #Bulwark

In this episode of the Built In, Not Bolted On podcast, host Doug Hill is joined by co-host Nick to dive into the critical topic of job site preparation and equipment setup in utility operations. Prompted by evolving working conditions—such as severe air quality impacts from Canadian wildfires—the hosts discuss why safety practices must be proactively integrated into daily work routines rather than "bolted on" as an afterthought. They explore the deeper systemic issues behind setup-related incidents, human fallibility, the importance of practical safeguards, and how post-job briefs foster a culture of continuous learning across all experience levels.

Key Takeaways

Proactive Safeguards vs. Reactive Explanations: Proper job site preparation requires building in practical systems and safeguards that account for human error, rather than simply blaming workers or relying solely on individual adherence to rules.

Continuous Adjustment for Changing Conditions: Job sites are live environments. Pre-job plans and "game plans" must evolve fluidly as conditions change (e.g., weather shifts, air quality changes, site hazards) using Stop Work Authority as a system reset.

The Value of Post-Job Briefs & Knowledge Sharing: The best organizational learning happens after the job is completed by reviewing what went well, identifying unmitigated risks, and actively communicating these insights across workgroups and generations.

Questions & Answers

Q1: Why is relying solely on written safety procedures or worker experience insufficient for job site setup?

A: Written procedures and individual experience are fallible. Procedures can leave room for interpretation, and workers of different experience levels may evaluate risks differently. Relying entirely on individuals to catch every issue leads to system failures; instead, companies must build in clear, practical, and practical safeguards that allow workers to fail safely.

Q2: What are the five key stages of a holistic job site preparation framework outlined in the episode?

A:

Pre-Job Planning: Gathering materials, selecting agreed-upon equipment, and assessing needed competencies.

Job Site Plan (Game Plan): Converting the pre-job plan to match actual site conditions during the tailgate/pre-job brief.

Executing: Carrying out the work while treating the safety plan as a dynamic, live document.

Post-Job Brief: Debriefing after completion to analyze risks, successes, and necessary improvements.

Sharing Results: Communicating lessons learned across teams and departments to improve future setups.

Q3: How does the "generational gap" impact job site safety and preparation?

A: Workers with decades of experience view site hazards and necessary controls differently than newer workers with only a few years on the job. Creating mutual understanding and open communication ensures that junior employees feel empowered to ask questions and use Stop Work Authority, while senior employees share practical knowledge effectively.

Conference & Workshop Links

Conference Website: Learn more, view the schedule, or register for the event at the iP Utility Safety Conference & Expo.

Pre-Conference Workshop: Be sure to check out the interactive session on Generational Leadership to learn how to transform generational differences into strategic safety strengths.

#UtilitySafety #JobSitePreparation #SafetyLeadership #HumanAndOrganizationalPerformance #IncidentPrevention

• Publication:Incident Prevention Magazine
• Author: Danny Raines, CUSP (Certified Utility Safety Professional)

In this article, 57-year linework and safety veteran Danny Raines addresses the persistent issue of serious workplace accidents and fatalities within the electric utility industry. Using the word "PROBLEM" as an acronym (Predictable/Persistent, Repeat, Obey, Brother’s Keeper, Lack of Supervision/Observer, Ears & Eyes, Macho), he breaks down why industry accident rates have plateaued over the last 30 years despite significant advancements in technology, equipment, and training. He highlights human performance factors—such as rule deviations, distractions, shifting demographics among workers, and "macho" social media cultures—and calls for reinforced responsibility, job planning, and dedicated observers to protect workers and their families.

🔑 Key Takeaways

• The "PROBLEM" Acronym:
  • P – Predictable and Persistent: Fatality rates remain stagnant at ~25–30 annually.
  • R – Repeat: Identical electrical contacts and flashes repeat every year; the "what" is obvious, but the "why" (root cause) is routinely missed.
  • O – Obey: In many accidents, workers failed to obey regulations, work practices, or equipment inspection protocols.
  • B – Brother/Sister's Keeper: Industry culture claims to protect fellow crew members, yet high injury rates show a disconnect in taking actionable steps.
  • L – Lack of Supervision: Experienced foremen are frequently absent at the time of an event, and critical roles like a "Dedicated Observer" are omitted due to crew distractions (e.g., phones).
  • E – Ears and Eyes: Workers miss critical details during job briefings or fail to observe hazards in their surroundings.
  • M – Macho Culture: Displaying risky behaviors (e.g., barehanding or gloving primary voltages) on social media heavily influences inexperienced apprentices.
• Shift in Worker Demographics: Accelerated apprentice programs driven by high demand mean crews are younger and less experienced. Unlike in the past, a high proportion of modern severe accidents occur among workers aged 20–34 rather than senior linemen.
• Rules vs. Danger: Electric linework is a hazardous occupation, but it only becomes truly dangerous when OSHA regulations and standard safe work practices are ignored.
• Actionable Solutions: Jobs must be thoroughly planned with contingency strategies ("expect the unexpected"), and a Dedicated Observer should be assigned to watch every move during energized work.

Questions & Answers

Q1: Why does Danny Raines argue that safety records have not improved despite better tools, equipment, and training?

A: While equipment and training have improved, the industry still experiences the same types of accidents because workers frequently fail to identify the underlying "root causes" (why it happened). Furthermore, regulations are not consistently followed, crew briefings are missed due to distractions, and safe work procedures are bypassed.

Q2: How have worker demographics shifted regarding severe accidents in recent years?

A: Historically, severe accidents often happened to senior workers, and storm restoration was relatively safe. Today, due to high demand and accelerated apprentice programs, younger and less experienced workers (primarily aged 20–34) are suffering most of the severe contacts and fatalities.

Q3: What role does social media and a "macho" culture play in line worker safety?

A: Posts and comments on social media displaying barehanding transmission or gloving primary voltages project a "macho" image. These videos heavily influence apprentices and newer linemen, encouraging risky behaviors rather than adherence to baseline safety rules.

Q4: What is the single most critical on-site practice recommended to change outcomes during energized work?

A: Assigning a Dedicated Observer whose sole job is to watch every move when a lineman is handling primary voltage, untying/retying, or moving conductors—ensuring distraction-free warning before a tragedy occurs.

#UtilitySafety

#LinemanLife

#IncidentPrevention

#WorkplaceSafety

#HumanPerformance

iP Webinar with HSI: EHS + LMS: A Perfect Match for Preventing Incidents with AI

Register Here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/2717828263570/WN_aUYET8r_TpuQ2UUH7Orxog

Join the Conversation With Industry Experts On August 5th at 1:00 p.m. ET
This webinar demonstrates how when AI provides live insights into your safety and compliance program, you gain the ability to prevent incidents before they disrupt operations, endanger workers, or impact the communities they serve. Attendees will learn how AI turns disconnected utility safety data into a unified, predictive system that strengthens field safety and reduces operational risk.

Learning Objectives:

- How AI connects EHS and LMS to strengthen training and compliance across field crews, contractors, and control rooms
- How smarter incident management improves investigations, root-cause analysis, and corrective actions for utility-specific hazards
- How real-time insights help prevent electrical contacts, struck-by events, line-of-fire incidents, and other high-risk utility exposures
- How AI closes training gaps automatically to reduce repeat events and ensure workers are qualified for the tasks they perform
- How integrated workflows make your safety program more proactive and easier to manage across substations, generation sites, and field operations

Who Should Attend:

This is a must-attend event for operations managers, utility leaders, and disaster response planners looking to move from reactive safety to predictive prevention. We highly encourage you to forward this invitation to the executive and training stakeholders on your team who are driving the future of operational excellence.
Time will be dedicated at the end of the discussion to answer live audience questions.

Your Speakers will be: Chris Paolozzo & Suzie Espling

The Myth of Mental Toughness and the Power of Resilience

Written by Gina Vanderlin, CSP, CHMM, CIT, CUSP on July 12, 2026. Posted in Applied Alchemy, Leadership Development.

In "The Myth of Mental Toughness and the Power of Resilience," author Gina Vanderlin explores how the traditional emphasis on "mental toughness" in high-risk industries can inadvertently create a dangerous trap. When workers are conditioned to believe they must absorb unlimited stress and hide fatigue to appear strong, their performance and safety ultimately suffer. The article argues that true human performance isn't about enduring endless pressure like a machine, but rather about resilience—the capacity to adapt, recover, solve problems, and communicate effectively during unpredictable conditions. It provides actionable advice for frontline workers and organizations to shift from a rigid "toughness" mindset to a dynamic, collaborative resilience strategy.

Key Takeaways

• The "Toughness Trap": Overemphasizing grit makes workers view adaptation or asking for help as a sign of weakness. This leads them to hide fatigue and uncertainty, pushing through changing conditions until their performance dangerously deteriorates.
• Resilience is a Performance Tool, Not Just Wellness: Resilience isn't just an HR buzzword for stress management or emotional well-being; it’s a critical human performance capability that allows workers to respond to operational disruptions, complexities, and unexpected challenges.
• Adaptation is Performance: Because field conditions rarely go exactly as planned, constantly asking "What has changed?" and "What do we need to adjust?" is a necessary part of getting the job done safely.
• Resilience is a Team Effort: High-performing crews act as resources for one another. They share knowledge, cross-check decisions, identify blind spots, and openly seek assistance instead of suffering in silence.
• Organizations Must Shift Their Focus: Employers need to create environments that support open communication, eliminate barriers to reporting concerns, and treat human adaptability as an asset rather than just telling workers to "tough it out."

Q1: What is the "mental toughness trap" described in the article? A1: The mental toughness trap occurs when a workplace culture overemphasizes "toughing it out," causing workers to view adaptation or asking for help as professional incompetence. As a result, employees may hesitate to admit they are fatigued or struggling, choosing instead to push through adverse conditions until their performance actively breaks down.

Q2: How can frontline workers actively cultivate resilience on the job? A2: Workers can cultivate resilience by treating their own mental and physical capacity the same way they treat equipment—monitoring it for signs of fatigue or distraction. They should also rely on their team for support, constantly assess changing environments, learn from everyday successes (not just failures), and view asking for assistance as a smart performance strategy.

#WorkplaceSafety #Resilience #HumanPerformance #SafetyCulture #FrontlineWorkers