Emergencies can't be predicted, but they can be planned for. ISPC supports custom Emergency Preparedness drills and procedures tailored to utility job sites.

For more information reach out to us here!

A new episode of ISPC Tailboard Talks is out now! Mark Forster & Jerry Havens sit down with Mark Savage to dive into everything Underground. From proper cable identification to remote cutting, Mark shares real-world stories, best practices, and safety steps that align with OSHA 1910.269 and NFPA 70E. Whether in the field or leading a crew, these insights help avoid mistakes and keep crews safe. A must-listen for every lineworker and safety leader! Listen wherever you get your podcast, or download here!

This episode is sponsored by: T&D PowerSkills, LLC

Build safety documentation that's actually used. ISPC helps utilities and contractors develop field-ready safety manuals and SOPs customized to your operations! For more information, reach out to us here.

Working on energized lines requires precision, awareness, and competence. Our Energized Lines & Equipment Training delivers exactly that — designed for lineworkers who face live-line conditions every day.

Ideal for: Lineworkers, crew leads, utility contractors. For more information, reach out to us here!

ISPC works with your team to deliver targeted onsite training on arc flash, grounding, hot stick use, fall protection, and more - customized to your system.



For more information, reach out to us here.

Our 23-unit Technical Metering Training Program is tailored to prepare utility personnel for modern and legacy electric metering systems.

Highlights of the program:

• From Basics to Advanced – Train your team in metering from single-phase to polyphase systems.

• All-In-One Package – Includes workbooks, videos, PowerPoint presentations, written tests, and field competencies.

• Real-World Ready – Covers distributed generation, ANSI standards, and energy diversion.

• Flexible & Scalable – Buy full curriculum or by course, with optional reproduction rights.

This program is ideal for: Meter techs, utility training departments

For more information, reach out to us here.

We’re lining up our next episodes of Tailboard Talks, but before we hit record, we want to hear from you! Give us your ideas—whether it’s a topic suggestion, a guest you’d love to hear from, or just general feedback on what you'd like more of! This podcast is powered by the voices of experts in the electric utility industry, real experiences, honest conversations, and your input that helps shape every episode. To share your thoughts with us, click HERE —and let’s spark the next great conversation.

Don't miss the newest episode of Tailboard Talks with special guest Mike Starner, CUSP, CHST of National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA). In this episode, "NAVIGATING THE NEW REGULATORY LANDSCAPE: What It Means for the Outside Line Industry," host Mark Forster and co-host Jerry Havens sit down with Mike to discuss the high-level changes under the new regulatory landscape in Washington DC and what that means for the electric utility industry in the ISPC Tailboard Talks segment. The conversation with Mike continues as they dive into regulatory changes, training, attracting new people to the industry, what is changing from a contractor standpoint, NECA’s support and standing in the industry, and lastly, Mike’s final words to the contractor industry.

Subscribe to Tailboard Talks wherever you get your podcasts, and never miss an episode! You can download today's episode here.

Thank you to this episode’s sponsor, T&D PowerSkills.

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. Read 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. Read 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!