The Safety Moment by Utility Safety Partners

Latest Episodes:

Sun, Sweat, and Safety: Tips for Surviving Summer Work May 22, 2024

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Beat the heat and stay safe with these top summer tips!
In this episode, Mike Sullivan highlights the top five workplace hazards during the hot months, including fatigue, heat stress, dehydration, sun exposure, and road construction dangers.
Joined by Doug Downs, they discuss practical solutions such as staying hydrated, wearing appropriate clothing, using sunscreen, and recognizing signs of heat-related illnesses.
They emphasize the importance of maintaining vigilance and adapting work schedules to ensure safety while working outdoors. Don't miss this crucial guide to keeping yourself and your team safe in the sweltering heat.
Listen For:
2:55 - Sunscreen: Your First Line of Defense
5:23 - Understanding Heat Stress and Heat Cramps
10:06 - Staying Hydrated: More Than Just Water
Guest: Doug Downs
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Music, Safety, and Meaning: Live Music Therapy May 08, 2024

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A melody can be a miracle when it brings smiles and sparks joy for those with dementia.
In this episode, Mike speaks with Kelly Morstad, who shares his journey with YouQuest, a Calgary-based organization that provides meaningful experiences for people with dementia through live music performances. They discuss the incredible moments when music ignites smiles, lifts spirits, and creates connections between participants and volunteers, offering solace and joy to those affected.
By exploring the organization's unique approach and discussing the value of community support, the episode sheds light on the transformative power of music and underscores the importance of creativity and compassion in enhancing quality of life.
Listen For:
03:55 - The Role of Music in YouQuest
14:12 - Music's Influence on Creative Thinking and Mental Health
22:30 - Success Stories of YouQuest's Music Program
33:19 - How to Get Involved with YouQuest
Guest: Kelly Morstad
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Beyond the Alarm: Effective Crisis Messaging Apr 24, 2024

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When chaos unfolds, the right communication can be a lifeline.
In this episode, host Mike Sullivan is joined by crisis communications expert Tim Conrad. They talk the intricate world of crisis management, emphasizing the essential blend of planning, empathy, and adaptability needed when the unforeseen occurs.
One striking aspect of this episode is the emphasis on the "numbing effect" – the phenomenon where continuous exposure to high-stakes language in the media has led to a public that is less responsive to actual emergencies.
Listen For:
3:08 - Defining Crisis Communication
5:17 - The Politics of Panic
14:13 - Preparedness in Urban Settings
Guest: Tim Conrad, APR® President of Butterfly Effect Communications Inc.
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How Canada Almost Went 811 Apr 10, 2024

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Canada's dance with three-digit dialing could have changed everything.
In this episode, Mike shares the almost decade-long saga of Canada's attempt to implement 811 as the standard for "call before you dig" services, mirroring the system in the United States.
It was really a failed attempt that resulted in a Plan B, which led to the ingenious yet simple solution of securing the domain 'clickbeforeyoudig.com', revolutionizing the way locate requests are made by shifting them online, improving efficiency, and reducing damages.
This digital transition not only advanced the cause significantly but also fostered unity and collaboration across various Canadian organizations, setting a new standard for excavation safety.
Listen For:
1:22 The 811 Desire
10:15 The CRTC's Verdict
18:21 The Generational Shift in Digging Practices
27:45 Embracing Digital Safety
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Behind the Scenes at Utility Safety Partners Mar 27, 2024

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Mike Sullivan talks with Damage Prevention Associate Chelsea Barnowich, offering us a behind-the-scenes look at the intricacies of utility locates for homeowners.
They touch on the transition from phone to online systems, tackle the importance of homeowner education, and discuss the personal touch in customer support.
With Chelsea's insights on the challenges and evolutions of their roles, including handling a mix of straightforward requests and assisting those new to the process, the podcast highlights the commitment to safety and efficient communication as the digging season gears up.
Listen For:
1:32 Meet the Associate: Chelsea's Role in Damage Prevention
4:05 The Monday Rush: Trends in Locate Requests
9:08 Chat Support: Where Homeowners Get Stuck
21:59 Emergency Requests: Handling Urgent Situations

Guest: Chelsea Barnowich
Damage Prevention Associate at Utility Safety Partners

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Collaboration as a Strategic Weapon in Safety Training Mar 13, 2024

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A transformative change in industrial safety begins here.
Mike welcomes Debbie Shelley of Global Training and Jeff Mulligan from Aztec Safety, who share their collaborative efforts establishing the Alternate Locate Provider training program.
Their discussion highlights the program's evolution, its alignment with industry standards, and the synergy between two leading safety training providers.
This episode shine’s a spotlight on the program's significant role in propelling damage prevention to new heights across Canada and maybe beyond the borders.
Listen For:
2:20 Collaboration in Safety Training Development
3:51 Behind the Scenes of Creating a Training Program
8:37 The Launch and impact of the Alternate Locate Provider Program
12:47 The Expanding Role of Utility Safety Partners in Damage Prevention
Connect with Guest DEBBIE SHELLEY
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Connect with Guest JEFF MULLIGAN
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Before You Dig Australia Feb 14, 2024

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There are remarkable similarities between Utility Safety Partners and Before You Dig Australia. They face quite comparable challenges in promoting safety in the utility sector.
In this episode, Mell Greenall, the CEO of Before You Dig Australia highlights the importance of clear, concise, and consumable safety information, and the need for a skilled and qualified locator in the construction sector.
Mel also shares plans for a new collated response viewer and a damage data dashboard.
Listen For
6:37 BYDA’s Digital Transformation and Efficiency
27:31 The Importance of Skills Development and Training
32:09 The Inefficiency in repeatedly marking the same locations
34:02 Innovation in Damage Prevention
Connect with Mell Greenall, CEO Before You Dig Australia
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The Alternate Locate Provider (ALP) Program Feb 07, 2024

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In this episode, we explore the cutting-edge Alternate Locate Provider (ALP) Program, an initiative aimed at transforming the landscape of location-based services.
As we navigate through the advancements in technology, the ALP Program emerges as a key player in improving the precision, dependability, and efficiency of locating services and devices. In this interview we discuss the mechanics behind this program, its impact on the future of digital navigation, and its role in redefining our engagement with the digital environment.
Listen For
5:30 Innovative Integration Techniques
18:45 Enhanced Accuracy and Efficiency
32:10 Regulatory Compliance and Safety Standards
47:20 Cost Reduction Strategies
Guest Ron Laidman, Enertia
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Getting to Know the Canadian Underground Infrastructure Innovation Centre Nov 22, 2023

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The Canadian Underground Infrastructure Innovation Centre (CUIIC) is a research and education centre at the University of Alberta. It focuses on damage prevention solutions for the underground infrastructure industry.
The centre was established in 2022 after merging two other centres, and it now has about 60 member organizations across North America. CUIIC aims to be a world-class hub for research, education, and innovation in underground infrastructure. It also seeks to bridge the gap between industry and academia and attract young professionals to the field.
Guest: Dr Ali Bayat, Canadian Underground Infrastructure Innovation Centre
Dr Bayat holds the position of Professor and Ralph Haas/Stantec Fellow in Civil Engineering within the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the University of Alberta in Edmonton. He serves as the Director of the Canadian Underground Infrastructure Innovation Centre, a research institution dedicated to advancing knowledge and innovation in the underground sector through interdisciplinary collaboration.
Listen For
3:22 The Mission and Vision of the CUIIC
4:48 The Role of Data in Damage Prevention
15:30 Challenges in Risk Management and the Human Element

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From Call Centres to Self-Service Systems: The Evolution of Damage Prevention Oct 25, 2023

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In this episode Mike Sullivan talks with Jason Manning, Vice President of OneCall Operations with Pelican Corp. They discuss the evolution of the damage prevention industry, with a focus on the shift from human-operated call centres to web-based requests and self-service systems. They also discuss the importance of visionary leadership in driving industry change and the potential for further streamlining and automation in the future. The conversation also touches on the challenges of industry governance and the need for leaders to adapt to change rather than resist it.

Guest: Jason Manning, PelicanCorp
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