Advertise on podcast: The Safety Moment by Utility Safety Partners

Send us a text What if the biggest threat to underground safety is not technology, but our refusal to change? Mike Sullivan talks with long time damage prevention consultant and investor Jemmie Wang about why the industry feels “safe enough” even as enormous hidden societal costs pile up from every cut fibre and broken line.  Together they explore how advances like affordable high accuracy GPS, smarter ticket management, online locate requests, deep AI mapping, and Alternate Locate Provider models are already proving they can slash damages, yet are still held back by rigid legislation, misaligned incentives, and risk averse culture. They compare Canadian and US approaches, question whether current 811 structures actually serve the people who use them, and ask if slogans like “call before you dig” and “50 in 5” are distracting from the real work of changing the rules of the game.  The conversation circles back again and again to one challenge for boards, executives, locators, and contractors alike: finding the courage to embrace new tools, new models and more flexible laws before the next crisis forces their hand.   Listen For: 4:10 What damage prevention technologies have changed the game in the last decade 7:11 Why does the industry keep doing more of the same instead of embracing new tools 16:31 Should damage prevention rely on more legislation less legislation or something in between 30:10 Why is click before you dig safer and why is it still a hard sell in the United States 56:58 What can Alternate Locate Providers and an Uber style model do to transform locating and reduce damages  Jemmie Wang Website | LinkedIn | Email    Follow The Safety Moment via Utility Safety Partners  X | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook

Send us a text What happens when an entire industry decides it’s time to build a new home from the ground up?  Mike Sullivan sits down with Bruce Campbell, Mark Frost, and Roger Lipscomb—the visionary team behind the Facility Notification Center Association (FNCA).  This passionate conversation traces the FNCA's superhero-style origin story, born from the ashes of older systems, into a modern, unified trade association serving 80% of North American notification centers.  From candid reflections on industry fragmentation to the power of collaborative leadership and servant-driven innovation, this episode dives deep into the necessity of FNCA, its mission, and its bright future.  It's a rich exploration of how facility notification centers are banding together—not just to adapt, but to lead.   Listen For: 6:10 What is the history behind North America’s One Call centers? 13:07 Why did One Calls of America and OCSI need to evolve? 29:36 What were the hurdles in transforming OCOA into the FNCA? 37:15 What goals are driving the FNCA’s strategic plan forward? 48:20 How is FNCA future-proofing for AI, volume spikes, and industry change? Facility Notification Center Association (FNCA) Connect with guest Mark Frost Website | Instagram | Facebook | X Bruce Campbell Email| LinkedIn | Website Roger Lipscomb Website | LinkedIn    Follow The Safety Moment via Utility Safety Partners  X | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook   Got an episode idea? [email protected]

Send us a text What do two clipped fibre optic cables have in common with a $77 million disaster? More than you think. Mike Sullivan recounts a personal travel nightmare that snowballed into a hard-hitting reflection on the staggering societal costs of utility damage.  What began as a delayed flight turned into an eye-opening experience involving 1,800 disrupted flights, 235,000 stranded passengers, and millions in lost productivity, business, and environmental damage—all traced back to a simple infrastructure mishap.  Mike breaks down the direct and indirect costs of such incidents, explores the gaps in utility protection and reporting laws, and emphasizes the critical importance of submitting locate requests.    Listen for: 1:05 How Did a Travel Delay Reveal a Bigger Safety Issue? 4:13 How Does Buried Utility Damage Impact Society at Large? 08:27 What Does $77 Million in Damage Look Like in Real Life? 17:29 Why Do Airlines Operate on Razor-Thin Profit Margins? 25:08 Can Repeat Offenders in Utility Damage Be Held Accountable?   Follow The Safety Moment via Utility Safety Partners  X | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook   Got an episode idea? [email protected]  

Send us a text What if one simple change could slash utility damages to near zero?  Mike Sullivan brings together a powerhouse panel from both sides of the Canada-U.S. border to celebrate and dissect the incredible first year of the Alternate Locate Provider (ALP) program.  With only two reported damages out of over 30,000 ALP locates, this initiative is rewriting the rules of damage prevention.  Industry leaders—including Jamie Andersen, Iain Stables, Lance Norman, Wayne Jensen, and Ron Peterson share insights on how ALP is driving efficiency, improving safety, and changing the landscape of utility locating.  From enhanced collaboration to future scalability, this episode offers a blueprint for transforming infrastructure safety practices. Listen For: 11:28 Why the ALP Had to Happen 16:15 Game-Changer for the Digging Community 20:44 Why This Could Go Global 53:34 Confronting the Controversy 59:21 The Future of ALP and Utility Safety Guests:  WAYNE JENSEN Website | Sign Up Page IAIN STABLES  Email | Iain’s LinkedIn | Website | ATCO LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram  JAMIE ANDERSEN LinkedIn | Website| Facebook  LANCE NORMAN LinkedIn | Website| Facebook | Instagram RON PETERSON LinkedIn | Website  Follow The Safety Moment via Utility Safety Partners  X | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook   Got an episode idea? [email protected] 

Send us a text What does it take to turn unimaginable tragedy into a global movement for safety?  Mike Sullivan sits down with Carl Weimer, former executive director and current advisor to the Pipeline Safety Trust, to revisit the devastating 1999 pipeline explosion in Bellingham, Washington.  Carl shares his unlikely journey from environmental nonprofit leader to one of the most influential safety advocates in the pipeline industry.  Together, they explore the ripple effects of that tragic day, the formation of the Pipeline Safety Trust, the evolution of public engagement, and the ongoing challenges in pipeline safety across North America.  It’s a powerful conversation about accountability, transformation, and the lives behind the headlines.   Listen For: 2:03 - Unlikely Advocate   7:03 - The Day Bellingham Exploded   18:47 - $4 Million and a Mission   33:10 - Pushing Industry to Be Better   55:27 - Where Do We Go From Here?   Connect with guest Carl Weimer LinkedIn | Pipeline Safety Trust  Follow The Safety Moment via Utility Safety Partners  X | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook Got an episode idea? [email protected]

Send us a text Ever wondered what it takes to raise a superhero on four legs?  Mike Sullivan sits down with Miranda Turenne from BC and Alberta Guide Dogs to explore the incredible journey of raising, training, and placing life-changing service dogs with people who need them most.  From puppies to professional partners, these dogs transform the lives of those living with visual impairments, autism, or PTSD.  The conversation touches on the emotional, logistical, and deeply human side of this impactful work—plus, it all ties into Utility Safety Partners’ very first charity golf tournament benefiting this vital organization.  Listen For: 3:09 What BC & Alberta Guide Dogs is really all about 7:41 Miranda’s unique role as service dog matchmaker 10:30 How dogs “choose” their careers (or not!) 20:53 What guide dogs really do for people with visual impairments 35:35 The heartbreak and fulfillment of saying goodbye to a service dog   Connect with guest Miranda Turenne, Manager, Fund Development at BC & Alberta Guide Dogs Website  Follow The Safety Moment via Utility Safety Partners  X | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook   Got an episode idea? [email protected]

Send us a text What do circus tents, telehealth numbers, and federal legislation have in common? They all played a surprising role in shaping Canada’s damage prevention landscape!   In this episode of the Safety Moment Podcast, host Mike Sullivan sits down with Todd Scott, the new Executive Director of the Canadian Common Ground Alliance (CCGA), for a lively and nostalgic journey through the CCGA’s origins, milestones, and future.   From its humble, patchwork beginnings across provinces to national pushes like the 811 campaign and Senate testimonies, Mike and Todd reflect on the hard-won lessons, political bumps, and evolving strategies that built the CCGA into Canada’s national voice for damage prevention. With a new strategic plan in motion, Todd shares his vision for uniting regional partners, strengthening governance, improving data reporting, and ensuring the CCGA stays relevant.   Listen For  2:51 How the regional alliances formed across Canada  12:12 Alberta One Call’s crucial support for CCGA growth  20:46 When the circus almost struck a lateral line  36:21 Railways push back: Political challenges emerge  1:08:01 Symposium spotlight: Halifax 2025 preview   Guest: Todd Scott, Executive Director CCGA Website | Email | LinkedIn    Follow The Safety Moment via Utility Safety Partners X | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook   Got an episode idea? [email protected]

Send us a text What would you do if a colleague invited you to work in Colombia—armed guards, jungle airlifts, and all?   In this episode of the Safety Moment Podcast, host Mike Sullivan sits down with longtime friend and fellow pipeline veteran Brad Burlock to recount their high-stakes, eye-opening journey working abroad on the Enbridge-operated Ocensa pipeline in Colombia.   From sudden evacuations and military escorts to learning humility in a foreign work culture, this conversation sheds light on what it's truly like for Canadians working overseas—especially in high-risk industries.   Listen For  7:31 From Saskatchewan to Colombia  11:11“Would You Go to Colombia?”  26:40 Explosion Alert Mid-Flight  33:37 Snakebite Kit and Jungle Soldiers  56:56 The Learjet Card: Just in Case You’re Kidnapped    Follow The Safety Moment via Utility Safety Partners X | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook  Got an episode idea? [email protected]

Send us a text Ever wonder what it's like to boldly go beneath the waves in your own personal submarine?  Mike Sullivan reconnects with childhood friend and submersible pioneer Charles “Chuck” Kohnen, CEO of SEAmagine.  Together, they dive deep—literally and figuratively—into Chuck’s journey of building state-of-the-art personal and scientific submarines in California.  Along the way, Charles shares stories of exploring uncharted ocean depths, discovering unknown species, and witnessing the tangible effects of climate change underwater.  Listen For: 0:15 Reuniting After 42 Years: From high school to submarines 5:23 Star Trek Dreams and Choosing Engineering Over Art 17:28 Accidental Shark Discovery and Scientific Fame 26:15 Who Buys a Personal Submarine? The Rise of Billionaire Buyers 31:30 Climate Change Below: 30°C Water at 100m Depth 39:04 Whale Shark Encounters and Nature’s Raw Power 45:04 OceanGate, Regulation, and Building Safe Subs   Connect with guest Charles Kohnen LinkedIn | Website    Follow The Safety Moment via Utility Safety Partners  X | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook

Send us a text Safety outreach with a digital twist — what’s changing and why it matters? Mike Sullivan sits down with Kassi Zaba, Manager of Stakeholder Relations, to uncover the evolution of utility safety outreach in Alberta.  Together, they reflect on their shared 14-year journey, from fax machines and phone calls to a fully digitized “click-before-you-dig” system and the upcoming launch of the Look Up and Live app to promote overhead powerline safety. They also discuss the growing role of digital marketing, public awareness campaigns, and even touch on the philosophical challenge of balancing public education with infrastructure security.  Listen For: 1:30 Meet Kassi Zaba: From phones to stakeholder relations 4:05 From faxes to clicks: Alberta OneCall’s digital leap 9:07 Mandating the “click before you dig” revolution 13:35 Geofencing & targeting gamers for utility safety 17:32 The rise of the Ambassador Program 31:54 Look Up and Live: A new safety tool is coming 36:57 Navigating the public awareness paradox Connect with guest Kassi Zaba LinkedIn | Website Follow The Safety Moment via Utility Safety Partners  X | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook   Got an episode idea? [email protected]

Send us a text What if the next big thing in utility safety isn’t underground—but overhead?  Mike Sullivan sits down with Nathan Coutu from ATCO Electric to spotlight the groundbreaking "Lookup and Live" application, a collaborative initiative aimed at reducing overhead power line contacts.  Nathan shares how this Alberta-wide, GIS-based mobile and web app helps users visualize and safely navigate around energized overhead lines—especially crucial for agricultural, construction, and utility workers.  Drawing inspiration from similar successes in Australia and Saskatchewan, he reveals the collaborative journey of Alberta utilities working together for public safety, the staggering contact statistics that prompted action, and the powerful simplicity of a solution that could save lives.  If you’ve ever thought "I knew the power line was there—I just didn’t see it this time," this episode could be a game-changer. Listen For: 3:48 The Birth of “Lookup and Live” in Alberta 5:16 From “Where’s the Line” to a Province-Wide Collaboration 7:22 The Overhead Threat You Keep Ignoring 16:51 50% Fewer Incidents: What Australia Taught Us 24:52 The Push for Simplicity and Adoption 27:20 Breaking Through Data Sharing Barriers Connect with guest Nathan Coutu LinkedIn   Follow The Safety Moment via Utility Safety Partners  X | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook   Got an episode idea? [email protected] 

Send us a text Think locating underground utilities is as simple as spray paint and flags? Think again. Mike Sullivan sits down with Jimmy Yip, Damage Prevention Manager at Fortis BC, to bust myths and unravel the often-misunderstood process of locating and marking utilities in British Columbia.  They dive into the historical roots of BC's unique paper-based locate model, how regulations shape responses, and why empowering excavators with responsibility has reduced damages over the decades.  From comparing provincial damage rates to exploring the Alternate Locate Provider (ALP) program in Alberta, this conversation highlights how thoughtful process design and solid data can drive down incidents while keeping public safety top of mind. Listen For: 3:13 Alberta's Alternate Locate Provider (ALP): A Game Changer 9:00 Why Paper Locates Work in BC 18:44 Comparing Damage Stats: BC vs Alberta 20:19 Decades of Data: Damage Trends Over Time 24:56 Why 65% of Damages Are From Not Calling 36:38 Power Dashboards: Transparent Data Sharing Connect with guest Jimmy Yip LinkedIn   Follow The Safety Moment via Utility Safety Partners  X | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook Got an episode idea? [email protected] 

Send us a text What do jazz drumming, data analytics, and underground safety have in common?  Mike Sullivan catches up with longtime friend and damage prevention pioneer JD Maniscalco for a heartwarming, insightful, and often hilarious conversation.  JD—former President and CEO of Colorado 811 and co-creator of the DIRT (Damage Information Reporting Tool)—reflects on his career, the origins and evolution of DIRT, and the critical role data plays in improving safety across North America.  From late-night band gigs in Vegas to building revolutionary safety tools in his kitchen, JD shares his journey with wisdom and wit.  Along the way, Mike and JD swap music stories, talk tech, and dive into how predictive AI and local report cards could shape the future of damage prevention.  Listen For: 06:30 – The Birth of the Conference Band 13:13 – The Origin Story of DIRT 26:00 – Data Report Cards: Simplicity Meets Accountability 38:11 – Click vs Call: A Data-Driven Divide 51:17 – The Future of DIRT: AI and Predictive Safety Follow The Safety Moment via Utility Safety Partners  X | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook Got an episode idea? [email protected] 

Send us a text Are you ready for the ultimate safety conference with a hockey twist?  Mike Sullivan takes us behind the scenes of the upcoming Utility Safety Partners Safety Conference in Edmonton, featuring a unique hockey-themed event.  Mike highlights exciting sessions, committee meetings, and a chance to win a one-of-a-kind goalie mask, designed by a renowned artist. From engaging educational panels to the special recognition of industry leaders, this episode brings a fresh take on safety awareness while blending fun and valuable learning experiences.  Don’t miss out on the details about this incredible event and more!  Listen For: 01:15 - Details about the Safety Conference and Training Sessions 05:30 - The Goldie Mask Raffle: A Unique Conference Giveaway 11:17 - Committee Strength: Utility Safety Partners’ Growth and Achievements 19:33 - Balancing Online Mandates for Homeowners: A Look at Alberta’s Future Follow The Safety Moment via Utility Safety Partners  X | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook Got an episode idea? [email protected] 

Send us a text Pipelines are more than steel in the ground—they’re built on passion, resilience, and community.  Mike Sullivan chats with David Hermanson, host of Support Pipelines, about the realities of working in an industry that’s often misunderstood.  From career journeys and mentorship to shifting regulations and public perception, they explore the challenges and rewards of pipeline life.  David also shares how his podcast became a platform for industry voices and why paying it forward is key to keeping the community strong.  Listen For: 04:33 – Smarter Project Planning 18:34 – Pipelines vs. Public Perception 30:10 – Safety Lessons from Tragedy 40:17 – How Support Pipelines Began Guest David Hermanson YouTube | Website | Facebook | Instagram Follow The Safety Moment via Utility Safety Partners  X | Instagram | LinkedIn | Facebook Got an episode idea? [email protected]