
Latest Articles
Overcoming the Illusion of Safety
Sometimes safety isn't all that it seems There are striking similarities in how we respond to incidents, injuries and fatalities in our industry. Safety stand-downs are held. Utilities and contractors conduct incident investigations that are typically wrapped up with...
Equipotential Grounding Zones Are Essential for Job Site Safety
It is a given that linework, whether transmission or distribution, is hazardous work. Safety is of the utmost priority in an industry where lethal voltages are regularly involved. In 2018, 8.5% of all construction-related fatalities were electrocution-related....
THE UTILITY EXPO 2023: A PREVIEW
This year’s Utility Expo – produced by the Association of Equipment Manufacturers – is expected to be the biggest show yet for utility industry professionals, exceeding the size and scope of the last expo held in 2021. The event, which runs September 26-28 at the...
The Quail Effect: An Indicator of Safety Culture
The Quail Effect: An Indicator of Safety Culture It is not uncommon for a flock of birds, such as quail, to scatter when people get too close to them. This sometimes happens on work sites, too, but instead of birds, it’s workers who scatter when they see safety...
Words of Wisdom from a Longtime Safety Man
Words of Wisdom from a Longtime Safety Man I first got into the electric utility industry in 1965 when I was hired to work as a lineman’s helper. Lineman’s helpers were also called by another name: grunt. At that time, you were not considered a grown adult until you...
Lower Risk Of Wildfires Along T&D Systems Long Term
To achieve the lowest level of risk, some utilities like Sacramento Municipal Utility District are embracing the practice of managing vegetation to tree height.