A new Tailboard Talks by ISPC podcast is out now. Wrapping up our special EPZ series with a powerful final episode. Host Mark Forster sits down with Jim Vaughn to dive into EPZ for Trucks and Step Potential. From OSHA requirements to protecting ground-level workers, this conversation covers the critical safety considerations every utility professional should know. Listen wherever you get your podcast, or download here.

This episode is sponsored by – iP Institutes Frontline Leadership Program - Incident Prevention Magazine

Improper grounding remains one of the most overlooked dangers in our industry. In this article, safety expert Jim Vaughn delivers a direct message: equipotential grounding isn’t just recommended - it’s legally required. Drawing from his experience as an expert witness in both OSHA and civil cases, Jim walks readers through real incidents where grounding failures led to serious consequences. His insight underscores the continued gap between what lineworkers are taught and what actually happens in the field. If you’re responsible for safety or training, this article will challenge your assumptions and help you spot compliance risks you may not even realize are present. Jim outlines key takeaways every crew and supervisor should know and makes a compelling case for brining grounding practices into full alignment with legal standards. Download the full article here.

In the April-May 2025 Q&A from Incident Prevention, ISPC’s expert Jim Vaughn answers real questions from the field - addressing some of the most persistent misconceptions still impacting training and safety across the industry. From grounding scenarios to training missteps, Jim doesn’t just provide answers - he explains the “why” behind his guidance. His responses are rooted in real-world experience and a deep understanding of how training often falls short in preparing crews for the realities of the job. Whether you’re a training manager, safety leader, or lineworker looking to deepen your knowledge, this Q&A is packed with valuable insights that help bridge the gap between textbook knowledge and field execution. Download the full article here.

A new Tailboard Talks by ISPC episode is out now. In episode 4 of our special 6-part series, host Mark Forster and Jim Vaughn discuss EPZ for Substations. They talk about what OSHA requires, the big differences when working inside the fence, and why EPZ is still needed if the substation is an equipotential plane with everything bonded. After discussing, Jim will give his one takeaway that everyone needs to hear. Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or download here.

ISPC is grateful to the sponsor of this episode of Tailboard Talks, Bierer Meters.

Tailboard Talks limited series continues with episode two out today! Host Mark Forster sits down with industry expert Jim Vaughn to discuss EPZ for Distribution and URD — what OSHA requires, the real-world challenges in overhead and underground distributions, and key takeaways for every level of the organization. Listen wherever you get your podcast, or download here.

This episode is sponsored by T&D PowerSkills, setting the standard for lineworker training.

We are proud to have kicked off a 6-part limited series of Tailboard Talks: EPZ AND FIELD SAFETY. Host Mark Forster is joined by industry expert Jim Vaughn in new episodes every couple weeks until June. The first episode, “EPZ–The Laws and Principles” is out today. Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or download here.

This episode is sponsored by T&D PowerSkills, setting the standard in lineworker training.

Director of Operations, Mark Forster trained a group from Joule Solar on cable terminations this week. He got some awesome feedback from them, and we are grateful to engage with some great people in the industry!

Check out the newest Tailboard Talks podcast episode and hear Mark Forster and Jerry Havens as they sit down with industry expert Jim Vaughn to discuss grounding and bonding in the electric utility industry. They cover OSHA requirements, the differences between grounding and bonding, and much more. Jim also dives into the history of grounding, common misconceptions when grounding deenergized lines, bracket grounding vs. EPZ, and best practices for bonding into your work location.

Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or download here.

You don’t want to miss our latest podcast episode. Listen while we sit with our special guests OG&E and OSU-Oklahoma City to discuss how colleges are supportive of the electric utility industry, and how a degree can launch this career for you. Available wherever you get your podcast or download here.

Listen as we continue to celebrate 20 years of ISPC on a new episode of Tailboard Talks. Mark Forster, CUSP and Jerry Havens sit down with Annie Wittenberg and Kody Morris to discuss the next 20 years of ISPC in partnership with Northwest Public Power Association and Lubbock Power and Light, respectively. They discuss how the partnerships started with both organizations, how ISPC got to where it is today, and what the future looks like for the association. Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or download the episode here.

We are excited to announce our newest training package, Basic Training for Telecommunications Lineworkers!

Program overview:
The program offers a structured approach to telecom education, featuring engaging video segments, comprehensive workbooks, and thorough assessment tools.

Video segments:
Segment 1: Electric Safety
Segment 2: Distribution Systems
Segment 3: Digger Derricks and Bucket Trucks
Segment 4: Grounding and Insulating

Program includes:
Student Workbook with quizzes for each segment to reinforce learning and assess understanding
Instructor's Guide, featuring a final test with both questions and an answer key for effective knowledge assessment and grading
Required Field Competencies (RFC) to ensure that field personnel meet necessary regulatory and safety standards

Ideal for:
Telecom companies
Electric utilities and contractors
Educational institutions
Companies looking to enhance their telecom training programs

For pricing and more information, email Mack Turner or call him at (509) 237-2851.

Employment of electrical powerline installers and repairers is projected to grow 8% from now until 2033 - faster than the average for all occupations.

Over 10,000 openings for electrical powerline installers and repairers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Read the full article from the US Bureau of Labor here.

Episode 13 of the ISPC Tailboard Talks podcast is out now, with special guest Mark Taylor, CUSP, Senior Advisor of Corporate Services at Primary Engineering and Construction in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

In this episode, titled "The Power of Mental Wellness," hosts Mark & Jerry discuss mental wellness and health, as well as statistics on suicide in the construction industry. Then listen to a great conversation between our hosts and special guest Mark Taylor, who shares his personal struggle with mental wellness throughout his life and career. He discusses what it took for him to come to grips with his struggles, before finally reaching out for help in dealing with mental illness.

Listen & subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, or download here.

If you like what you hear, please leave us a review. It really helps others find us!

Stay tuned for the second half of this important conversation in the next episode of Tailboard Talks, coming soon.

Thank you this episode’s sponsor, T&D PowerSkills, setting the standard for lineworker training.