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.

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!

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 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!

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.

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!

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!

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.