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  • Utility Safety Podcast - Deep Dive - The Evolution of Personal Protective Grounding from the Articles Written by Alan Drew

    Utility Safety Podcast - Deep Dive - The Evolution of Personal Protective Grounding from the Articles Written by Alan Drew
    Jan 23 2026
    Read the articles writted by Alan Drew - https://incident-prevention.com/blog/the-evolution-of-personal-protective-grounding-part-1/ https://incident-prevention.com/blog/the-evolution-of-personal-protective-grounding-part-2/ About the Author: Alan Drew began his power industry career in 1959. While working for a local utility company, he earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. Drew was hired as the general superintendent for Clallam County Public Utility District in 1991. He moved to Boise, Idaho, in 1998, where he became an instructor with Northwest Lineman College and advanced to the position of senior vice president of research and development. He is a lifetime member of IEEE and a 2008 International Lineman Museum Hall of Fame inductee. Drew’s most recent accomplishment is writing “The American Lineman,” a book that honors the evolution and importance of the U.S. lineman. He retired in 2020 and is now a part-time technical consultant for Northwest Lineman College. These articles chronicle the historical transition of personal protective grounding (PPG) from primitive, improvised tactics to rigorous modern safety standards for electrical workers. Early utility pioneers relied on basic tools like grounding chains and simple water pipe connections, but rising accident rates eventually necessitated more sophisticated testing and insulation. Mid-century research by experts like Charles Dalziel provided a scientific understanding of how electrical currents impact the human body, shifting the industry toward standardized equipment and formal regulations. The narrative highlights the move from bracket grounding toward the equipotential zone concept, ensuring that lineworkers are protected by maintaining equal voltage across all contact points. Ultimately, the sources emphasize that while technology and OSHA mandates have advanced, the core mission of PPG remains the most vital safeguard in high-voltage environments. Based on the two-part series "The Evolution of Personal Protective Grounding," here is a podcast package designed to summarize the content effectively. Key Takeaways From Primitive to Precise: The history of grounding began with crude methods like throwing chains over conductors or simply shutting down generators. It has evolved into a highly technical science focusing on creating "equipotential zones" (EPZ) to guarantee worker safety. The Pivot to Worksite Grounding: Early practices relied on "bracket grounding" (grounding at adjacent poles). However, 1950s testing by the Bonneville Power Administration proved this was insufficient, leading to the modern standard of grounding and short-circuiting directly at the worksite. The Impact of Research: Charles Dalziel’s mid-century research on human shock thresholds provided the crucial medical data needed to evaluate whether grounding methods actually protected human life, moving the industry away from guesswork. Standardization Saved Lives: The shift from homemade tools (like copper wire and water pipes) to manufactured, certified equipment was driven by regulations from OSHA (1970s) and standards from ASTM and IEEE, ensuring reliability and accountability. 4 Questions & Answers Q: How did early lineworkers verify a line was de-energized before modern voltage detectors existed? A: Early methods were incredibly risky and often involved "fuzzing" (listening for a buzzing sound) or primitive "tests" like throwing a crescent wrench tied to a grounded tower onto the conductor to see if a fuse would blow. Q: What major flaw did the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) discover in 1954 regarding "bracket grounding"? A: The BPA tests revealed that placing grounds only on structures adjacent to the work area (bracket grounding) did not provide adequate protection. They found that to truly protect the lineworker from accidental energization, all conductors had to be short-circuited and grounded directly at the work location. Q: What is the "Equipotential Zone" (EPZ) and when did it become the industry standard? A: The EPZ is a safety method where grounds are arranged to ensure that all equipment and the worker are at the same electrical potential, eliminating hazardous voltage differences across the worker’s body. It became a formal regulatory requirement with the issuance of OSHA standard 1910.269 in 1994. Q: How did the "Shotgun Stick" improve safety in the 1950s? A: The development of the grip-all or "shotgun stick" allowed lineworkers to apply protective grounds while maintaining a safe distance from the conductor. This was a significant improvement over earlier methods that brought workers dangerously close to potential hazards during installation. Subscribe to Incident Prevention Magazine - https://incident-prevention.com/subscribe-now/ Register for the iP Utility Safety Conference & Expo - https://utilitysafetyconference.com/ #LinemanSafety #UtilityIndustry #ElectricalSafety #...
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    17 min
  • Built In, Not Bolted On - Paying it Forward - Building a Safety Culture for the Holidays

    Built In, Not Bolted On - Paying it Forward - Building a Safety Culture for the Holidays
    Jan 1 2026

    In this episode of "Built In, Not Bolted On," host Doug Hill and guest Nick discuss the concept of "paying it forward" as a proactive approach to safety and mental well-being during the stressful holiday season. They explore how small acts—like salting a neighbor's walkway or simply asking a coworker "are you okay?"—can prevent failure and build a stronger, more supportive culture. The conversation highlights the dangers of distracted driving, the impact of winter weather on utility work, and the importance of checking in on colleagues who may be struggling with personal stressors.

    Key Takeaways

    • Paying it Forward is an Investment: Paying it forward isn't just about buying coffee; it's an investment in others that pays dividends by setting them up for success and safety.
    • Proactive Safety Measures: Practical acts like salting walkways or ensuring cars have fuel and emergency gear help others avoid failure and stay safe during winter travel.
    • Mental Well-Being Check-ins: The holidays bring hidden stressors (financial, family, travel). Asking coworkers "Are you okay?" or "I got you" can uncover these "X factors" and provide much-needed support.
    • The "Glass House" of Leadership: Effective leadership involves "paying it forward" by mentoring the next generation, a concept exemplified by industry veterans who continue to teach safety even after retirement.
    • Distracted Driving Dangers: The first snow of the season often catches drivers off guard. Preparing for winter conditions is a critical way to pay it forward to your family and fellow commuters.
    Questions & Answers

    1. What is the core theme of this episode? The core theme is "paying it forward, not looking back," which involves taking proactive steps during the holiday season to ensure the safety and success of others, rather than just reacting to problems.

    2. How does Doug Hill define "paying it forward" in a safety context? Doug defines it as making an investment in other people to set them up for success, such as salting a walkway to prevent falls or ensuring vehicles are fueled to avoid being stranded in bad weather.

    3. What specific winter driving advice does Doug give to his daughters? He advises them to always keep an extra coat and boots in the car to be prepared if they get stranded, emphasizing the need to mentally shift and prepare for winter conditions.

    4. How can coworkers support each other's mental well-being during the holidays? Coworkers can pay it forward by asking "Are you okay?" if someone is acting abnormally, recognizing that financial or family stressors may be affecting their focus and safety on the job.

    5. What is the origin story of "paying it forward" mentioned by Doug? Doug shares that the concept originated in his hometown of Midland, Michigan, with a young boy named Jaden Lamb, who passed away from cancer but inspired others to do good deeds for one another.

    6. What is the "I got you" concept discussed by Nick and Doug? It is a simple phrase or text used between colleagues to reassure each other that they have support and communication lines are open, reinforcing trust and safety.

    Subscribe to Incident Prevention Magazine - https://incident-prevention.com/subscribe-now/

    Register for the iP Utility Safety Conference & Expo - https://utilitysafetyconference.com/

    #BuiltInNotBoltedOn #SafetyCulture #PayItForward #HolidaySafety #MentalHealthAwareness #UtilitySafety

    ________________________________

    This podcast is sponsored by T&D Powerskills. If you are looking for a comprehensive lineworker training solution, visit tdpowerskills.com today and use the exclusive podcast listener promo code IP2026 to receive a 5% discount!
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    23 min
  • Voice of Experience - From the Field to the Foreman’s Office - Mastering Leadership in the Utility Industry

    Voice of Experience - From the Field to the Foreman’s Office - Mastering Leadership in the Utility Industry
    Jan 1 2026

    In this episode, Danny Raines, CUSP, joins the show to discuss the critical transition from being a crew member to a leader in the utility industry. Drawing from his extensive career—from journeyman lineman to safety consultant—Danny explores the challenges of supervision, such as navigating generational differences and the importance of communication skills. The conversation delves into the "glass house" effect, highlighting how a leader's actions on and off the job, including on social media, influence safety culture. Danny also breaks down different leadership styles, advocating for servant leadership as the most effective approach for modern crews.

    Buy Danny's Book - https://www.amazon.com/Legends-Ole-Lineman-learning-Journeyman-ebook/dp/B0FXN6G7V8/ref

    Key Takeaways:
    • The Difficulty of Transition: Moving from a "doer" to a leader is a long road because it is often easier to do the job yourself than to get others to do it according to expectations.
    • The "Glass House" Effect: Leaders must realize they are always being watched by their crew and peers. This extends to social media, where liking or interacting with unsafe content can undermine a leader's credibility and influence new apprentices negatively.
    • Servant Leadership: The most successful leadership style is "servant leadership," defined by Danny as never asking a crew member to do something the leader hasn't done or isn't willing to help with.
    • Admitting Knowledge Gaps: Leaders should never "blow smoke" or pretend to know everything. If a leader doesn't know the answer, they should admit it, pause the work, and find the correct information to maintain trust.
    • Generational Awareness: Effective leadership requires understanding generational differences (e.g., Baby Boomers vs. Millennials) and adapting communication styles to different personality profiles.
    • Succession Planning: A vital first step for any new supervisor is to identify and mentor the person who will eventually replace them.
    Questions & Answers

    1. What inspired Danny Raines to write his recent article on leadership? Danny was inspired by reflecting on his own career progression from a crew member to various leadership roles, as well as a book written by his pastor titled Yes, I Can, which resonated with his experiences of rising to new challenges.

    2. How does Danny define the "Glass House" concept in leadership? The "Glass House" means that a leader is constantly under observation. Everything they do, whether on the job site or on social media, is seen by others, and mistakes or endorsements of unsafe behavior (even online) can negatively influence the workforce.

    3. What are the four main leadership styles discussed in the podcast? Danny identifies four primary styles: Autocratic (authority-based), Democratic (voting/consensus-based), Bureaucratic (rule-governed), and Servant Leadership (leading by example and support).

    4. Why is "Servant Leadership" preferred over the "Autocratic" style in today's workforce? While autocratic leadership ("my way or the highway") was common in the past, it creates friction, especially with younger generations. Servant leadership fosters better buy-in because the leader reasons with the crew, explains the "why," and proves they are willing to do the work themselves.

    5. What should a leader do if they encounter a situation they don't understand? They should immediately stop and admit they aren't sure, rather than acting like they know. Danny advises saying, "I'm not real sure about this, but let me check and I'll get right back with you," to avoid breaking trust or causing safety issues.

    6. What is Danny’s "one piece of advice" for new leaders? His advice is "Don't rush it." Leadership takes time and experience to build. He urges new leaders to be humble, learn as they go, and seek advice rather than expecting to know everything immediately.

    #UtilitySafety #LeadershipDevelopment #LinemanLife #ServantLeadership #SafetyCulture #CUSP

    Subscribe to Incident Prevention Magazine - https://incident-prevention.com/subscribe-now/

    Register for the iP Utility Safety Conference & Expo - https://utilitysafetyconference.com/

    ________________________________

    This podcast is sponsored by T&D Powerskills. If you are looking for a comprehensive lineworker training solution, visit tdpowerskills.com today and use the exclusive podcast listener promo code IP2026 to receive a 5% discount!
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    50 min
  • Voice of Experience - Storage Safety Hazards, Response, and the Evolution of the Grid with Josh Dinaburg, CSA Group

    Voice of Experience - Storage Safety Hazards, Response, and the Evolution of the Grid with Josh Dinaburg, CSA Group
    Dec 1 2025
    As the grid transitions to green energy, battery energy storage systems (BESS) are popping up everywhere—from utility substations to residential neighborhoods. But what happens when lithium-ion technology fails? In this episode of The Voice of Experience, host Danny Raines and Fire Test Specialist Josh Dinaburg from the CSA Group dive deep into the reality of battery fire safety. Josh brings nearly 20 years of lab experience to explain why the "let it burn" strategy is often the safest choice for first responders and the environment. We dispel common myths about toxic runoff, explore how AI is revolutionizing failure detection, and discuss the rigorous testing standards keeping our communities safe. If you work in utilities, safety operations, or fire protection, this is the essential guide to understanding the risks and remedies of modern energy storage. Learn More: https://www.csagroup.org/ Contact Josh: josh.dinaburg@csagroup.org Danny Raines, CUSP Book - Legendas of an Ole' Lineman: Order Here Key Takeaways The "Let It Burn" Strategy is Intentional: Contrary to public perception, the safest tactic for large-scale battery fires is often isolation rather than active suppression. Attempting to extinguish the fire can leave "stranded energy" in damaged cells, creating a "ticking time bomb" for secondary events, whereas letting it consume itself renders the waste safer for disposal. Manufacturing Quality is Improving Rapidly: While cell counts in storage facilities are increasing, the failure rate has dropped significantly—now estimated in the "one out of millions" range rather than hundreds. Environmental Impact is Manageable: Extensive testing indicates that water and air quality impacts from these fires are generally comparable to standard structure fires. Runoff has not been demonstrated to cause immediate "forever chemical" threats to groundwater, provided the site is managed correctly. AI is the Future of Prevention: The industry is moving toward advanced Battery Management Systems (BMS) that use AI to analyze temperature and voltage trends, allowing operators to identify and isolate failing cells months before a thermal runaway event occurs. Firefighter Safety is Paramount: The primary risk to first responders is not just the fire, but the potential for explosion and high-voltage hazards. The current standard emphasizes life safety and evacuation over asset protection. Q&A: Addressing Common Concerns 1. What is the biggest myth about battery storage fires? Answer: The biggest myth is that if fire departments aren't spraying water, they don't know what they are doing. In reality, standing back and monitoring is a calculated containment strategy. Active firefighting can waste water and endanger responders without effectively stopping the thermal runaway, so isolation is often the professional standard. 2. Does a battery fire pose a unique toxic threat to the local community? Answer: While lithium-ion electrolytes contain fluorinated compounds, the combustion products are remarkably similar to a typical house fire involving polyurethane furniture or cleaning chemicals under a sink. The smoke should be avoided like any other fire, but it does not generally require unique HazMat protocols beyond standard breathing protection and evacuation. 3. Can technology stop a fire once it starts? Answer: Once thermal runaway begins in a specific cell, the chemical and electrical energy makes it nearly impossible to stop that specific event. However, engineering controls—such as insulation barriers and novel injection systems—are designed to prevent that single-cell failure from propagating to the rest of the battery bank, turning a potential catastrophe into a minor, contained incident. #BatteryStorage #FireSafety #RenewableEnergy #UtilitySafety #LithiumIon #CSAGroup Subscribe to Incident Prevention Magazine - https://incident-prevention.com/subscribe-now/ Register for the iP Utility Safety Conference & Expo - https://utilitysafetyconference.com/ ________________________________ This podcast is sponsored by T&D Powerskills. If you are looking for a comprehensive lineworker training solution, visit tdpowerskills.com today and use the exclusive podcast listener promo code IP2025 to receive a 5% discount!
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    40 min
  • Safety by Design - Human and Organizational Performance with Pam Tompkins CSP, CUSP

    Safety by Design - Human and Organizational Performance with Pam Tompkins CSP, CUSP
    Dec 1 2025
    Read the article - https://incident-prevention.com/blog/safety-by-design-human-and-organizational-performance/ In this installment of the Safety by Design podcast series, host Nick sits down with Pam Tompkins, President and CEO of SET Solutions, to explore the transformative philosophy of Human and Organizational Performance (HOP). Based on her latest article in Incident Prevention magazine, Pam breaks down why traditional, compliance-based safety programs often fall short in high-risk utility environments. Listeners will discover how shifting from a "blame culture" to a "learning culture" can drastically improve safety outcomes. Pam details the five core principles of HOP, offering actionable advice on how to identify predictable "error traps," why context matters in human decision-making, and how leadership's response to failure defines an organization's future. Whether you are a frontline leader or a safety executive, this episode provides the blueprint for building a resilient system that protects employees even when mistakes happen. Keywords: Safety by Design, Human and Organizational Performance, HOP Principles, Utility Safety, Safety Culture, Pam Tompkins, Incident Prevention, Error Traps, Operational Learning. Key Takeaways The "Blame" Trap vs. System Design: Traditional safety often assumes employees should be perfect 100% of the time. HOP accepts that people will make mistakes and focuses on fixing the systems (procedures, equipment, pressures) that support them, rather than trying to "fix" the people. The 5 Principles of HOP: The episode outlines five foundational principles: People will make mistakes. Error-likely situations are predictable. All human actions are influenced by context. Operational upsets can be avoided. How we respond to failure matters. Identifying Error Traps: Many incidents are preceded by "error traps"—predictable conditions like fatigue (working 16+ hours), unfamiliar tasks (e.g., a mobile sub not used in a year), or unclear switching orders. Identifying these early prevents errors from becoming accidents. The Critical Role of Leadership Response: A leader’s reaction to a failure determines if an organization learns or hides. Asking "Who messed up?" creates fear, while asking "What conditions led to this?" builds trust and encourages the reporting of near-misses. Learning From Daily Work: You don't have to wait for a major accident to learn. Simple habits, like a two-minute "after-action review" at the tailgate or informal learning teams, can uncover operational gaps before they cause harm. Questions & Answers Q1: What is the biggest misconception about adopting Human and Organizational Performance (HOP) in the workplace? A: The biggest misconception is that HOP ignores accountability. In reality, HOP shifts accountability from "who is to blame" to "how do we fix the system." It acknowledges that while individuals are responsible for their actions, they often work within flawed systems that set them up for failure. As Pam Tompkins explains, you cannot fix a human being, but you can fix the pressures, tools, and procedures that influence their decisions. Q2: What are some practical examples of "error traps" that utility crews face? A: "Error traps" are specific conditions that increase the probability of a mistake. Common examples discussed in the podcast include: Fatigue: Crews working long shifts during storm restoration. Infrequent Tasks: Performing a job or using equipment (like a mobile substation) that hasn't been touched in months. Poor Documentation: Switching orders that bundle multiple critical tasks into a single step without checks and balances. Production Pressure: Implicit or explicit messages from management prioritizing speed over safety protocols. Q3: How can a team start implementing HOP principles tomorrow without a massive administrative overhaul? A: Implementation can start with a simple question. Pam suggests that frontline leaders ask their crews daily: "What part of your job is most likely to hurt someone today, and what gets in the way of doing it safely?" Additionally, shifting the post-incident conversation from discipline to curiosity—asking "Walk me through what happened" instead of "Why didn't you follow the rule?"—immediately begins to build the trust necessary for a HOP culture. #SafetyByDesign #UtilitySafety #SafetyManagementSystem #ProactiveSafety #LeadingIndicators #WorkplaceSafety #SafetyCulture OSHA Power Electric Standards Course - https://ip-institute.com/osha-electric-power-standards/ Subscribe to Incident Prevention Magazine - https://incident-prevention.com/subscribe-now/ Register for the iP Utility Safety Conference & Expo - https://utilitysafetyconference.com/ ________________________________ This podcast is sponsored by T&D Powerskills. If you are looking for a comprehensive lineworker training solution, visit tdpowerskills.com today and use the exclusive podcast listener ...
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    47 min
  • Live from The iP Utility Safety Conference, Glendale, AZ - How Upstream Thinking Changes Safety

    Live from The iP Utility Safety Conference, Glendale, AZ - How Upstream Thinking Changes Safety
    Nov 6 2025

    Recorded live from the IP Utility Safety Conference in Glendale, Arizona , this free-flowing conversation features Kate Wade of IP magazine , Billy Martin of Think Tank Project, LLC , and Brant Jeffries of Bierer Meters. The group discusses how conferences and networking change our perspectives , using analogies like Billy's "fire corn" and Heraclitus's river. They dive deep into the dangers of "reactiveness" , citing examples from Arizona's freeway development to local city council decisions. The conversation emphasizes the need to move to "upstream thinking" and use the "space between stimulus and response" to build trust and make more rational, safer decisions.

    💡 Key Takeaways

    Learning requires discomfort. True growth at conferences comes not from seeking confirmation , but from being stretched and a "little bit uncomfortable".

    Shift your perspective. The group uses the analogy, "You're not stuck in traffic; you are the traffic" , to illustrate how we are the ones who apply negative emotion (the "suck") to a situation , which blocks our ability to learn from it.

    Beware the "reactive" trap. Humans are programmed to be reactive. The speakers note that we often react to problems—like traffic or accidents—long after they began , rather than using "upstream thinking" to find the root decisions that caused them.

    Use the space between stimulus and response. Citing Viktor Frankl , the group stresses the importance of taking time before responding. This space allows our "thinking selves" to override an immediate reaction , de-escalate conflict , and choose a rational response.

    Modern media may be programming us for reactivity. The group discusses how modern movies and video games, with their "flash, flash, flash" editing , are rewiring our brains for shorter attention spans and making us more reactive.

    iPi Forum - https://ip-institute.com/ipi-forum/

    You can read the current magazine at Incident Prevention Magazine.

    Subscribe to Incident Prevention Magazine - https://incident-prevention.com/subscribe-now/

    Register for the iP Utility Safety Conference & Expo - https://utilitysafetyconference.com/

    ________________________________

    This podcast is sponsored by T&D Powerskills. If you are looking for a comprehensive lineworker training solution, visit tdpowerskills.com today and use the exclusive podcast listener promo code IP2025 to receive a 5% discount!
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    20 min
  • Utility Safety Podcast - Confronting the Silent Epidemic - A Conversation on Suicide Prevention in the Utility Industry

    Utility Safety Podcast - Confronting the Silent Epidemic - A Conversation on Suicide Prevention in the Utility Industry
    Nov 1 2025
    In this incredibly moving and vital episode of Incident Prevention's Utility Safety Podcast, host Kate Wade is joined by Rob Duplain, a project superintendent, and Bill Martin, President of Think Tank LLC. The conversation centers on the critical issue of suicide, particularly within the utility and construction industries, sparked by a powerful LinkedIn post Rob wrote in honor of National Suicide Awareness Month. Rob shares his profound personal story of losing both his best friend and his mother to suicide, opening the door to a candid discussion on navigating grief and leveraging trauma to help others. Together, they explore practical ways to foster genuine human connection and psychological safety in the workplace. The discussion covers simple but powerful actions like a "buddy check", the importance of authentic leadership, and how to create an environment where it's safe for employees to be vulnerable and support one another. This episode is more than a conversation; it's a model for how to talk about uncomfortable but necessary topics to build stronger, safer, and healthier teams. Key Takeaways The Power of the "Buddy Check": A simple, consistent text message like "buddy check" can be a powerful tool to let a coworker know you are thinking of them beyond the scope of work. It helps build a foundation of genuine care that makes it easier to notice when someone is struggling. Authentic Leadership Builds Trust: True leadership isn't just about being in charge; it's about showing up for your people, especially when mistakes happen. By meeting people where they are and creating a safe space to be vulnerable, leaders can build the trust necessary for open communication. Proactive Connection Over Reactive Rituals: The industry often shows solidarity after a tragedy, such as with bucket trucks at a funeral, but fails to see the weak signals beforehand. The focus must shift to building foundational, day-to-day relationships to prevent tragedies before they happen, as there's "no party for the thing that doesn't happen". Proactive Connection Over Reactive Rituals: The industry often shows solidarity after a tragedy, such as with bucket trucks at a funeral, but fails to see the weak signals beforehand. The focus must shift to building foundational, day-to-day relationships to prevent tragedies before they happen, as there's "no party for the thing that doesn't happen". Q&A Question 1: What is a simple, actionable step someone can take to support a colleague's mental well-being? Answer: Rob Duplain suggests sending a quick, simple text that just says "buddy check". This small, consistent action lets the person know you are thinking of them and opens the door for deeper connection beyond just project updates. Question 2: Why do traditional classroom-style trainings often fail to engage workers in the utility industry? Answer: Bill Martin explains that many field workers are kinesthetic learners who "have to move to think". When forced to sit in rows, they often disengage, slouch, and cross their arms, whereas on a job site, they naturally gather in circles to communicate and collaborate. Question 3: What does it mean to be "above the line" vs. "below the line" when handling a problem at work? Answer: Drawing from the work of Brené Brown, Bill Martin explains that being "below the line" means reacting to a problem by becoming a villain, victim, or hero. To be "above the line," one must act as a creator, challenger, or coach, focusing on learning from the outcome and moving forward constructively. iPi Forum - https://ip-institute.com/ipi-forum/ You can read the current magazine at Incident Prevention Magazine. Subscribe to Incident Prevention Magazine - https://incident-prevention.com/subscribe-now/ Register for the iP Utility Safety Conference & Expo - https://utilitysafetyconference.com/ #MentalHealthInConstruction #SuicidePrevention #UtilitySafety #WorkplaceWellness #AuthenticLeadership #BuddyCheck ________________________________ This podcast is sponsored by T&D Powerskills. If you are looking for a comprehensive lineworker training solution, visit tdpowerskills.com today and use the exclusive podcast listener promo code IP2025 to receive a 5% discount!
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    56 min
  • What is The Fifth Wire? Building a Human Safety Net in the Utility Sector with Tom Murphy

    What is The Fifth Wire? Building a Human Safety Net in the Utility Sector with Tom Murphy
    Nov 1 2025
    In this powerful episode of Incident Prevention's Utility Safety Podcast, host Kate Wade sits down with Tom Murphy, the founder and CEO of Sweethearts and Heroes. Tom shares the deeply personal journey that led him from the railroad industry and professional mixed martial arts to creating a vital organization focused on "upstream prevention" for mental health. He sheds light on the alarming suicide crisis within the utility sector, where linemen are taking their own lives at a rate of 67.8 per 100,000—more than five times the rate of workplace fatalities. Tom explains the intentional meaning behind his organization's name, the science of building community, and how their unique "Fifth Wire" program uses an ancient practice called "circle" to forge life-saving connections among workers. Tune in to learn how we can combat hopelessness and prevent "voltage drop" in our own lives and organizations. Key Takeaways Upstream Prevention is Key: The world often focuses on intervention after a crisis has already occurred, but the real work lies in "upstream prevention"—giving people the tools and community support they need before they reach a breaking point. The Alarming Suicide Rate Among Linemen: The suicide rate for electrical linemen is a staggering 67.8 per 100,000, significantly higher than the general population (12-14 per 100,000) and even the Marine Corps (34.9 per 100,000). The Meaning of "Sweethearts and Heroes": The name is intentional. In the 16th century, the word "bully" originally meant "sweetheart"—an endearing term for someone who pushes you to be better and gives you hope. "Heroes" are those who choose to jump into action to help others. The Power of Circle: Beyond high-impact presentations, the core of the programming is "circle," a 400,000-year-old practice where individuals sit together to commune and build deep, neurological connections. This helps create healthy, adaptive social norms within a peer group. Preventing "Voltage Drop": Tom uses the electrical concept of "voltage drop" as a metaphor for losing the momentum gained from an inspiring event due to life's resistance. Sweethearts and Heroes implements follow-up systems, like circle, to keep the "voltage" high and ensure the message sticks. Questions and Answers Q1: What is the "Fifth Wire" program? A1: "The Fifth Wire" is the name of the program Sweethearts and Heroes developed specifically for the electrical industry. It builds on the organization's core principles of upstream prevention and creating strong peer networks to combat the high suicide rate among linemen and other utility workers. Q2: Why does Tom Murphy say suicide is a male issue? A2: While suicide is a human issue, Tom points out that men are statistically more affected. Young men are five times more likely to die by suicide than young women. He theorizes this is partly because men are evolutionarily driven to seek agency (power and resources), whereas women are more driven to seek communion (social bonds). Modern society has often removed the traditional outlets for men to build agency, contributing to a sense of purposelessness and hopelessness. Q3: How does Sweethearts and Heroes ensure their message has a lasting impact after they leave? A3: They are only interested in working with organizations that want to fix the system, not just host a one-time awareness speech. To prevent "voltage drop," they implement spaced, repetitive practices like circle sessions over several months. They also offer a "train the trainer" model, including master classes, to teach people within the organization how to facilitate circles themselves and maintain momentum long-term. Vist https://www.sweetheartsandheroes.com/ #UtilitySafety #MentalHealth #LinemanLife #SuicidePrevention #SweetheartsAndHeroes #UpstreamPrevention iPi Forum - https://ip-institute.com/ipi-forum/ You can read the current magazine at Incident Prevention Magazine. Subscribe to Incident Prevention Magazine - https://incident-prevention.com/subscribe-now/ Register for the iP Utility Safety Conference & Expo - https://utilitysafetyconference.com/ ________________________________ This podcast is sponsored by T&D Powerskills. If you are looking for a comprehensive lineworker training solution, visit tdpowerskills.com today and use the exclusive podcast listener promo code IP2025 to receive a 5% discount!
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    56 min