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Companies looking to bolster their safety culture should look no further than the grounding methods they currently employ. Those determined to take their grounding process to the next level should consider Equipotential Grounding training.

Many contract companies are currently implementing bracket grounding, which means they install grounds on both sides of the work area sometimes some distance apart. Equipotential grounding methods encourage crews to move to single point/worksite grounding, which involves installing one set of grounds equipotentially at the worksite to create an equipotential zone for working. This has been recognized by OSHA and the industry as the method that provides the best possible protection for the worker when working off the pole or from a bucket.

How can you effectively prepare your distribution crews for this transition? Make certain all employees understand the difference between the two methods and why the worksite method does provide the best protection.

Most of this year, we have been working with distribution contract company MB Haynes in improving their overall safety culture. Part of this process has been to deliver Insulate and Isolate and Equipotential Grounding training to their entire workforce. While this has aided MB Haynes’ crews understanding, the most value comes with a considerable amount of in the field coaching to ensure the concepts of the training have taken hold.

An effective Insulate & Isolate and Equipotential Grounding training program includes scaffolded learning opportunities in and out of the classroom setting. It is important to spend multiple days training the concepts and information, but to improve the safety culture, you must also spend the time on site in the field coaching the concepts.

Learn more about our work with MB Haynes and how we can help improve your safety culture with training and field coaching from our veteran trainers.