US Department of Labor updates national emphasis program to protect workers from indoor, outdoor heat hazards
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has updated its National Emphasis Program on Outdoor and Indoor Heat-Related Hazards to better protect workers in high-risk industries. Using recent data, the program now targets 55 industries with elevated heat-related risks and strengthens how inspections, outreach, and enforcement are conducted.
The update includes expanded inspections during heat advisories, improved guidance for evaluating employer heat safety programs, and a continued focus on preventing heat-related illnesses and fatalities. The revised program is effective immediately and will remain in place for five years.
Click here to review the full news release
OSHA Proposes Change to Fixed Ladder Fall Protection Deadline
OSHA has issued a proposed rule to remove the current 2036 deadline requiring fall arrest or ladder safety systems on existing fixed ladders over 24 feet. If adopted, this change would allow employers to upgrade ladder safety systems at the end of their service life rather than by a fixed date—offering greater flexibility and potential cost savings.
It’s important to note that the requirement for new fixed ladders to include fall protection systems remains unchanged. OSHA is currently accepting public comments on the proposal through June 5.
Click here to read the newsletter: https://www.osha.gov/quicktakes/04072026
OSHA Advances Heat Safety Protections for Workers
The U.S. Department of Labor has announced new actions to strengthen protections against heat-related illnesses in the workplace. As extreme temperatures become more frequent, these efforts focus on improving safety standards, increasing awareness, and reinforcing employer responsibilities to safeguard workers.
For organizations in high-risk industries like utilities and construction, staying informed and proactive is critical. These updates highlight the importance of heat illness prevention programs, proper hydration, rest breaks, and training to ensure crews remain safe and productive in challenging conditions.
Click here to read the full update.
At ISPC and T&D PowerSkills, we encourage organizations across the electric utility and contractor industries to routinely review their compliance postings as part of a broader safety culture commitment. Compliance is more than a requirement - it’s a reflection of leadership.
OSHA’s “Job Safety and Health – It’s the Law” Poster: What Employers Need to Know
The U.S. Department of Labor requires employers to display the official “Job Safety and Health – It’s the Law” poster in a conspicuous location where employees can readily see it. This poster, issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), informs workers of their rights under the Occupational Safety and Health Act, including the right to a safe workplace, access to training, and the ability to report hazards without fear of retaliation.
Employers covered by OSHA must display the current version of the poster at each workplace. It must be accessible to all employees, and in situations where a significant portion of the workforce is not proficient in English, employers should also display a version in the appropriate language.
Failure to post required workplace notices can result in citations and penalties. More importantly, displaying the poster reinforces an organization’s commitment to transparency, compliance, and worker safety.
You can download the official OSHA poster directly from OSHA’s website at no cost. Click here to download.
At ISPC and T&D PowerSkills, we encourage organizations across the electric utility and contractor industries to routinely review their compliance postings as part of a broader safety culture commitment. Compliance is more than a requirement - it’s a reflection of leadership.
New Tailboard Talks Episode – An Interview with Dr. George Gela
Your next listen is out now. Tune in to hear Jim Vaughn talk with special guest Dr. George Gela. Subscribe to Tailboard Talks wherever you get your podcasts, and never miss an episode. You can download this episode here!
Thank you to our sponsor — iP Institutes Frontline Leadership Program.
Evaluation Placement Testing
The Evaluation Placement Testing process helps utilities place, promote, and train with precision. Online or on-site, EPT evaluates both knowledge and skill across multiple utility roles. Ideal for: Apprenticeship programs, new hires, journeyman upgrades.
For more information, reach out to us here!
Welcome Jim Vaughn as new host of Tailboard Talks!
There’s a new voice behind the mic this week!
Jerry Havens and Jim Vaughn, CUSP kick off a new era as they dive into what’s next for the show. Discussing topics like upcoming guests to the Fall iP Conference and the 2026 T&D Trainers Conference & Tradeshow. Jim also shares stories from his early days writing for Incident Prevention Magazine.
Listen wherever you get your podcasts, or download the episode here.
This week's episode is sponsored by iP Institutes Frontline Leadership Program.
Onsite Crew Observations
Gain valuable insight into real-world crew behavior. ISPC's Crew Observations help identify strengths, risks, and training needs while reinforcing best practices in the field. For more information, reach out to us here!
Pad-Mounted Transformer Safety Procedures
Performing work near pad-mounted transformers and switchgear requires more than awareness - it demands qualification. ISPC's Pad-Mounted Transformer Safety Procedures training helps ensure your crews are fully prepared and compliant with OSHA standards. Ideal for: Lineworkers, apprentices, and utility trainers working with URD systems.
For more information, reach out to us here!
Hot Stick Inspection & Use
Hot sticks are a lifeline in energized work. Our training package helps workers properly inspect, clean, and handle live-line tools according to best practices and OSHA expectations. Ideal for: Lineworkers, foremen, and trainers.
For more information, reach out to us here!
2026 Trainers Conference & Tradeshow
Get ready to Elevate. Engage. Evolve. The 2026 Trainers Conference & Tradeshow is back bigger, bolder, and built for the future of utility training. Join us in sunny Orlando, FL, March 23–26, 2026.
Watch the promo video above and Register here now!
A special thank-you to our Platinum Sponsor Bierer Meters for supporting the mission to advance training and safety across the utility industry.
Accident Investigation Services
When a serious incident occurs, clarity and action are critical. ISPC provides Accident Investigation Services to help utilities and contractors understand what went wrong, and how to prevent it from happening again. For more information, reach out to us here!
Crew Supervisor Evaluations
How do you know your next crew lead is ready? Our Crew Supervisor Evaluations combine testing, observation, and skill assessments to help promote the right people and strengthen your team. For more information reach out to us here!
Emergency Preparedness & Rescue Planning
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!
Pole Top & Bucket Rescue
Our Pole Top and Bucket Rescue training provides critical instruction for rescuing injured workers from height - helping crews meet annual refresher requirements with hands-on support. Ideal for: All lineworkers and crew leads.
For more information reach out to us here!
Training Spotlight: Telecom Training
Telecom crews face unique risks working near energized systems. Our four-segment training video package and 156-page workbook are designed for safety and efficiency in telecom environments. Ideal for: Telecom utility workers, training coordinators.
For more information reach out to us here!
New Tailboard Talks Episode – Cable Identification & Remote Cutting
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
Safety Manual & SOP Development
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.
Spotlight On: Energized Lines & Equipment Training
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!
Customized Training & Consulting
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.