Overcoming the Illusion of Safety

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...
The Quail Effect: An Indicator of Safety Culture

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

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

Lower Risk Of Wildfires Along T&D Systems Long Term

Lower Risk Of Wildfires Along T&D Systems Long Term The catastrophic fires that have struck the U.S. states of California, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona in recent years are proving to be part of a new era and no longer isolated occurrences....
How Utilities Can Dramatically Reduce Wildfire Risk

How Utilities Can Dramatically Reduce Wildfire Risk

How Utilities Can Dramatically Reduce Wildfire Risk Searing temperatures are testing the electric grid like never before. Extreme-weather events, such as severe droughts fueled by climate change, have created ideal conditions for wildfires in the Western US. According...
ENR Midwest’s 2020 Best Projects

ENR Midwest’s 2020 Best Projects

BOLD Transmission Line Project, IndianaMarion, Ind.Best Project Owner: American Electric PowerLead Design Firm: American Electric PowerGeneral Contractor: Cianbro  The 35-mile project marks the debut of BOLD (Breakthrough Overhead Line Design), an innovative...