The Safety Moment by Utility Safety Partners

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 secu...

Send us Fan Mail 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.   T...

Send us Fan Mail 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 discus...

Send us Fan Mail 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.  ...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 cybers...

Send us Fan Mail 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 educa...

Send us Fan Mail 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 w...

Send us Fan Mail 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 recognizi...

Send us Fan Mail 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 cr...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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 solutio...

Send us Fan Mail 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 o...

Send us Fan Mail 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 t...

Send us Fan Mail 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 co...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail 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...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode we meet James Cross and Jim Schauer, both of Energy Worldnet known for innovative solutions within the natural gas sector. When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, that put an abrupt stop to their normal participation in public events. How could they get out and about when everyone was locked inside?   Then James had an idea. Why not start an industry podcast? You can do...

Send us Fan Mail Like all Contact Centres, the one at Utility Safety partners has experienced an evolution that has reshaped the core of USPs operations. It’s moved from a traditional concept of a centralized nucleus to a flexible and distributed model. Work methods and management approaches have changed. Conventional metrics have shifted from focusing solely on efficiency to a holistic approach t...

Send us Fan Mail When it comes to crisis communications there’s nothing more important than empathy. The ability to demonstrate sincere concern and understanding for people becomes the catalyst for fostering trust and support.    People need to know you care, before they care what you know.    In part two of Mike’s chat with Jon Lovink – empathy, and why you should care about it.   Guest: Jon Lovi...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode we dive into the crucial topic of managing communications during emergency situations. Jon Lovink, a renowned expert in the field and founder of Lovink Media, shares his expertise.    Here we focus on the aspect of emergency management communications, emphasizing the importance of being prepared to address the public and navigate media scrutiny when faced with chal...

Send us Fan Mail You might be familiar with Infrastructure Resources which began back in 2003 through various trade shows and fairs. It is now evolving into The Excavation Safety Alliance.  In this episode we speak with both Scott Landes who led the formation of Infrastructure Resources and Whitney Price who will lead the charge going forward for The Excavation Safety Alliance. What’s next for the...

Send us Fan Mail Mike Sullivan and Ian La Couvee discuss the challenges they’ve faced in the legislative journey they embarked on 18 months ago. It's a simple ask, to have any owner/operator of buried utilities in Alberta be required to become a member of Utility Safety Partners. Make one notification, truly one notification. But there’s a growing disregard for facts in political discourse an...