Tailboard Talks Episode 11 Out Today
Ryan Schenk Ryan Schenk

Tailboard Talks Episode 11 Out Today

In episode 11, host Mark Forster and co-host Jerry Havens are back in Harnessing Safety: The Importance of Fall Protection where they are joined by special guest Kat Clemmons, Co-owner/Vice President of JELCO, a manufacturer of fall protection equipment since 1892.

In the ISPC Tailboard Talks segment, Mark and Jerry discuss training, care, maintenance, and inspection of fall protection equipment. They go over OSHA’s requirements and what you need to know to make sure your fall protection PPE will do its job. In this episode’s special guest segment, Mark and Jerry talk with Kat Clemmons about her career, the history of JELCO, and what makes JELCO one of the top fall protection manufacturers. Then Kat shares some exciting news about JELCO that you won’t want to miss.

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

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New podcast episode: So You Want to be a Lineworker" out now
Ryan Schenk Ryan Schenk

New podcast episode: So You Want to be a Lineworker" out now

In episode 10 of Tailboard Talks, host Mark Forster and co-host Jerry Havens are back with "So You Want to be a Lineworker," where they are joined by special guest Curtis Bradley, Jr., CUSP, author of his second book, “Welcome to Linework, An Apprentice’s Action Guide.”

In the ISPC Tailboard Talks segment, Mark, Jerry, and Curtis discuss what it takes to be a valued apprentice, building a solid work ethic and teamwork skills, effective communication on the jobsite, as well as the importance of physical fitness and personal well-being. Curtis shares his take with anyone out there trying to decide whether to become a lineworker, letting them know what it really takes.

Subscribe and listen wherever you get your podcasts, or download here.

Thank you to this episode's sponsor, Gritty Tools - Eliminating workplace injuries, one tool at a time.

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Episode 8 of Tailboard Talks Podcast this Friday
Jamie Yaeger Jamie Yaeger

Episode 8 of Tailboard Talks Podcast this Friday

Host Mark Forster is back for a new episode called Partnering for “LIFE.” In this episode, he highlights some lifelong partnerships that are being developed through a grassroots approach to safety and training in the electric utility industry to help save lives every day.

In the ISPC Tailboard Talks segment, Mark sits down with special guest Brent Jeffries, VP of Field Operations and Safety Training at Bierer Meters. They discuss tool safety and the efforts that Brent and Bierer Meters have taken to help ensure that people in the industry understand the reality of what meters do and the potential dangers they can pose to workers.

Mark continues his conversation with Brent Jeffries, discussing Brent’s journey in the utility industry and the creation of the constantly growing Electric Culture of Safety (ECOS). Then Mark lets the cat out of the bag about a partnership being formed by ISPC and Bierer Meters to create a state of the art training facility on the Bierer campus in Blythewood, South Carolina. Through partnerships and a grassroots approach, the training facility will be used to train the next generation of lineworkers.

ISPC is grateful for the sponsors of this episode: Bierer Meters and the Electric Culture of Safety.

Like and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, so you'll be notified when new episodes drop. Please leave us a review and rating, too. It really helps others find our show!

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New Podcast Episode Out Now!
Jamie Yaeger Jamie Yaeger

New Podcast Episode Out Now!

In episode 07 of the ISPC Tailboard Talks podcast, host Mark Forster, CUSP is joined by special guest Annie Wittenberg from NWPPA. They get into "The Power of Association" and how public power associations support their members. June is also Fire Safety Month, so listen to learn about seven ways to prevent fires at home and in the workplace.

Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, or download the episode here.

Thank you to this episode's sponsor, Bierer Meters.

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New Content Added for Members Only!
Jamie Yaeger Jamie Yaeger

New Content Added for Members Only!

We have just added new resources to our website! Log into your member account to check out several new webinars featuring Mack Turner, Jim Vaughn, Mark Forster, and Dan Taylor!

If you aren't a member yet, find more information here.

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Community Colleges, Supporting the Utility Industry - New Podcast Episode
Jamie Yaeger Jamie Yaeger

Community Colleges, Supporting the Utility Industry - New Podcast Episode

In episode 06 of ISPC's podcast Tailboard Talks, hosts Mark Forster and Jerry Havens are back to discuss the topic of how community colleges support electric utilities. In the Tailboard Talks segment, they discuss how to prevent ticks and other insects from getting on you, and what to do if they do. They are then joined by special guest Matthew Teeters, Operations Manager for Upper Peninsula Power Company (UPPCO), where they learn about Matthews’ career journey to becoming a utility manager, as well as continuing the discussion on how community colleges support the utility industry.

Listen and subscribe to Tailboard Talks here, or wherever you get your podcasts.

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Welcome James McGowan!
Ryan Schenk Ryan Schenk

Welcome James McGowan!

ISPC is proud to welcome a new affiliated consultant to our team: James McGowan!

A little about James:

  • Internationally recognized safety trainer

  • Expert in all aspects of the T&D industry

  • Management and leadership trainers

  • Chairman of ET&D Training Task Team II

  • Led development of OSHA-10 and OSHA-20

  • Accomplished public speaker

  • Contributing member of several technical advisory groups

  • and more!

We can't wait to get started on some projects with James!

Contact us to learn how we can help keep your crews safe! 

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New Tailboard Talks Episode: "Becoming a Leader"
Ryan Schenk Ryan Schenk

New Tailboard Talks Episode: "Becoming a Leader"

Episode 5 of Tailboard Talks is back with hosts Mark and Jerry, as well as special guest Curtis Bradley, discussing the journey to leadership and what to do once you get there. Listen & subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, or listen here.

Many thanks to Bierer Meters for sponsoring this episode of Tailboard Talks.

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Episode 4 of Tailboard Talks podcast
Ryan Schenk Ryan Schenk

Episode 4 of Tailboard Talks podcast

"Safety 101"

Hosts Mark Forster and Jerry Havens are back to discuss the importance of hydration. They highlight some steps to take to avoid dehydration, and they go over warning signs, helpful statistics, and the effects dehydration can have on cognitive function. Special guest Mike Starner, Executive Director for Outside Line Services for NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association) tells Mark and Jerry a little about himself and his journey to where he is in his career and the industry today. The rest of their conversation covers all things related to safety in the industry.

Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

This episode was sponsored by Bierer Meters - Made in the USA.

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