The Safety Moment by Utility Safety Partners

Latest Episodes:

Behind the Numbers: What the DIRT Report Can—and Can’t—Tell Us Mar 05, 2025

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Is Alberta really the Wild West of utility damages, or is there more to the story?

Mike sits down with Josef Rosenberg, a longtime expert in damage prevention and the contact center manager for Utility Safety Partners.

They dive into the Canadian Common Ground Alliance’s (CCGA) Damage Information Reporting Tool (DIRT) report—what it is, how it's used, and why Alberta consistently reports some of the highest damage numbers in Canada.

Josef breaks down the challenges of voluntary reporting, the differences in data collection across provinces, and why a high number of submitters doesn’t necessarily mean more damage—it actually signals stronger engagement.

They also discuss trends in damage prevention, the push for online locate requests, and where legislation might come into play.

Listen For:

03:19 - Decoding the Acronyms: DIRT, DREC, and More

12:38 - Beyond the Numbers: Unpacking DIRT Data and Regional Differences

17:09 - From Calls to Clicks: Has DIRT Kept Pace with Innovation?

25:18 - DIRT Reporting Made Easy: A Step-by-Step Guide

Guest: Josef Rosenberg
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40 Years of Digging Safely: Tech Revolution in Safety Oct 09, 2024

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How do you keep safety fresh after 40 years?

Mike reflects on the journey that began during the pandemic and evolved into a vital resource for the excavation and utility industry.

Mike and guest Doug Downs discuss milestones like Alberta One Call's 40th anniversary, innovative safety measures such as the Alternate Locate Provider (ALP), and exciting projects on the horizon for 2025.

They explore how safety conversations have expanded across multiple platforms, including podcasts, to reach diverse audiences and create lasting impact in damage prevention.
Listen For:
3:03 Embracing Multiple Communication Channels for Safety
5:47 Celebrating Milestones in Safety
12:36 Innovation in Damage Prevention
15:06 Challenges with Mandatory Legislation

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MultiViewer: The Evolution of Digital Map Sharing for Utility Locating Sep 25, 2024

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Have you ever thought about the future of utility locating?

In this episode, Mike talks with Kris Philpott of Planview Utility Services and Iain Stables from Atco about the game-changing technology behind the Alternate Locate Provider (ALP) system.

They dive into the evolution of damage prevention, highlighting the importance of tools like multi-viewer in streamlining and securing data for locators and excavators.

This dynamic conversation uncovers how modern GIS platforms and data management tools are reshaping safety standards in the utility industry.

Listen For:
06:14 - From Paper Prints to Game-Changing GIS
11:17 - How Multi-Viewer Standardizes Utility Data for Locators
17:52 - Comparing ALP Success in Alberta and Ontario
34:40 - How ALP Removes Barriers and Streamlines Processes

Guests:
Kris Philpott
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Measuring Absence in Damage Prevention Aug 28, 2024

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How do you measure what didn’t happen?

In this episode, Mike sits down with Wayne Jensen to explore the fascinating concept of quantifying the absence of damage in the damage prevention industry.

They discuss the evolution of safety practices, the challenges of relying too heavily on regulations, and the importance of recognizing proactive behavior in preventing accidents.

The conversation dives deep into the human side of safety, celebrating the unsung heroes who ensure nothing goes wrong – and the complexities of proving that their efforts were the reason why.

Listen For:
03:19 - The Origin of Monthly Damage Prevention Meetings
08:09 - The Effectiveness of Public Awareness Programs
20:56 - Are We Too Reliant on Legislation?
28:33 - Responsibility and Accountability in Damage Prevention

Guest: WAYNE JENSEN
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Groundbreaking: Alberta’s Alternate Locate Provider Program Aug 14, 2024

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Ready to revolutionize excavation safety?

Mike sits down with Ron Laidman and Iain Stables to explore Alberta's Alternate Locate Provider (ALP) program.

Launched after years of development, the ALP is set to change the game in damage prevention, offering unprecedented flexibility, increased capacity, and improved safety for all excavation projects.

Dig in as they discuss the ALP's impact, the challenges of implementation, and what the future holds for this innovative approach.

Listen For:
:56 The Birth of the Alternate Locate Provider (ALP) Program
5:13 The Challenges of Consortium Contracts and the Need for Change
18:34 The Rigorous Assessment Protocol for ALP Providers
25:28 - How Excavators Can Initiate the ALP Process

Guests:
Ron Laidman | Principal Advisor at Enertia Solutions
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Working Alone: Overcoming Challenges and Ensuring Personal Safety Jul 31, 2024

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Have you ever considered the risks of working alone in remote areas?

In this episode, Mike interviews Carlin Lutzer, a land agent and realtor, about the unique safety challenges faced by those who frequently work alone.

Carlin shares personal anecdotes and insights, highlighting the importance of preparation, regular check-ins, and leveraging modern technology to stay safe.

The conversation touches on the evolving nature of work in the energy and real estate sectors, the impact of social media on public perception, and the critical need for self-sufficiency and vigilance in isolated environments.

Listen For:
05:47 - Avoiding a Catastrophic Accident
09:12 - Preparing for Solo Work Risks
22:01 - Safety Concerns for Realtors’
28:13 - Vigilance in Various Industries

Guest: Carlin Lutzer
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Look Up and Live: The App Revolutionizing Safety Jul 17, 2024

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Are you ready to discover how a simple app is saving lives one day at a time?
In this episode, host Mike Sullivan interviews Glen Cook from Energy Queensland, the visionary behind the "Look Up and Live" app.
They discuss the importance of overhead power line safety, the app's success in Australia, and its potential adoption in Alberta.
Cookie shares his passion for damage prevention and recounts his recent trip to Canada, highlighting the challenges of promoting safety in large, sparsely populated countries.
Listen For:
01:30 - The Look Up and Live App
10:01 - Adapting the App Globally
19:01 - Enhancing Safety Awareness
26:12 - Future of Damage Prevention

Guest: Glen Cook
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Click with Caution: Cybersecurity Essentials Jul 03, 2024

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Are you aware of the dark and evolving threats lurking in the digital world?
In this episode, Mike dives into the critical topic of cybersecurity with CaSh Wong, CEO of Shing Digital. They discuss the increasing sophistication of cyber-attacks, ranging from old-school scams to modern ransomware that can cripple major utility companies.
CaSh explains the importance of robust cybersecurity measures for both individuals and businesses, the role of artificial intelligence in both defending and conducting attacks, and the looming impact of new legislation aimed at protecting critical infrastructure.
The conversation highlights the ever-present risk of cyber threats and the urgent need for heightened awareness and proactive defense strategies.
Listen For:
01:45 - The Evolution of Cyber-Attacks
14:04 - AI and Cybersecurity
26:44 - Corporate Cybersecurity Measures
41:39 - Legislation and Future of Cybersecurity
Guest: CaSh Wong
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From First Call to Forefront: Evolving Damage Prevention Jun 19, 2024

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Dig into the secrets of damage prevention.
In this episode, Mike Sullivan welcomes guests Derrick Mann, Lisa Kosolofski, and James Cameron from the Saskatchewan Common Ground Alliance to discuss the seamless transition of Saskatchewan First Call into their organization.
The conversation highlights the ongoing evolution and integration of safety practices, the importance of educating diverse users, and the powerful impact of grassroots initiatives like contractor breakfasts.
Listen For:
4:06 - A Legacy of Safety
14:55 - Engaging with Rural Communities
18:31 - Legislative Challenges
26:18 - RMS Involvement
Guests: Lisa Kosolofski, Derrick Mann, and James Cameron from Sask 1st Call
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Olympic Secrets for Injury-Free Workdays Jun 05, 2024

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Olympic-level strategies can slash workplace injuries!
In this episode, Mike Sullivan interviews Dr. Rindal, a sports medicine expert and former chiropractor for the US Olympic Swim and Women's Ice Hockey Teams.
They look at the potential for injuries in the utility energy sector, discussing how principles from athletic performance can reduce musculoskeletal injuries in the workforce.
Dr. Rindal shares success stories from his work with utility companies, highlighting a case where implementing these techniques led to a 53% reduction in injury rates and significant cost savings.
Listen For:
02:25 - Reducing Workplace Injuries
12:53 - Importance of Consistent Movement
15:50 - Bridging Back from Injuries
35:51 - Promoting Mobility in Office Workers
Guest: Dr. Kevin Rindal
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