Category Archives: News

How InfraSource Supports Workplace Safety: The Good Catch Program  

One of the pillars of our company is safety, and we want to ensure it is always at the forefront of every employee’s mind. One way we achieve this, is through the Good Catch Program.

The Good Catch Program encourages employees to be vigilant of their surroundings and always be on the lookout for things that could be potential hazards. The first Good Catch was spotted as an apprentice was preparing to climb a pole during a job. As the apprentice was inspecting the site, they noticed a live wire was touching the pole, putting the crew at risk for electric shock or injury. The crew stopped all work and safely addressed the hazard. 

The second Good Catch was found during a manhole inspection. The crew spotted a primary electrical fault – an abnormality that can disrupt the normal flow of electricity and cause electrical shock or fire. They immediately stopped all work, and the fault was reported and scheduled for repair. By being diligent, the crew prevented a potentially dangerous event from happening.

The final Good Catch occurred during a pole replacement, when the crew noticed something did not look right with one of the cables. Upon further inspection, they found one of the protective devices around the cable had failed, leading to a damaged wire. The crew stopped their work and repaired the wire and cable, preventing a possible hazard.

Through diligence and attention to detail, our crews have successfully prevented potential hazards from turning into dangerous situations, ensuring a safe working environment for all.

InfraSource – DOD SkillBridge Partner! 

We are proud to announce that InfraSource has officially become a DOD SkillBridge partner! This partnership allows us to contribute directly to the professional growth of transitioning service members while benefiting from their incredible expertise and dedication. 

“Becoming a SkillBridge partner is not just an exciting milestone for InfraSource—it’s a meaningful way for us to support those who have served our country,” said Stephanie Krabbe, Sr Vice President of Organizational Development. 

We are proud to be a part of this important program and look forward to welcoming service members onto our team so they can continue to make an impact.

What is DOD SkillBridge? 

DOD SkillBridge is a Department of Defense initiative connecting service members nearing the end of their military service with civilian job training opportunities. Through this program, service members can participate in apprenticeships, internships, or industry training programs during their last 180 days of active duty. This provides them with a seamless transition to a civilian career by gaining real-world experience and skills. 

Encouraging Workplace Safety with the Good Catch Program

At InfraSource, safety is one of our core values. The Good Catch program encourages our team to be vigilant of their surroundings and look for things that could be potential hazards in the workplace. 

The first Good Catch stood out because our team’s attention to detail prevented an unscheduled power outage. The team was working on a scheduled railroad crossing job when they noticed an aluminum conductor was melted. While the team was waiting for approval to make the necessary repairs, a tree fell downstream of the job site, causing the line to trip. The team worked together to make repairs at both locations, preventing a potential outage.

Another notable Good Catch was made when the team found a piece of mislabeled electrical equipment. The team worked with the System Operator to verify their findings and label the equipment correctly, preventing an error in the future.

Our final Good Catch is important because the team successfully identified and resolved a hazardous situation. The team noticed a basket cutting into the secondary riser at a job site. Testing revealed the basket was energized at 120V, exposed along the wire and pole. The issue was fixed, and a potentially dangerous situation avoided.

InfraSource’s commitment to safety is evident through the Good Catch Program. Our team has successfully prevented numerous hazards through their attention to detail and dedication to keeping a safe working environment.

Promoting Safety Through the Good Catch Program

At InfraSource, safety is always our first priority. Our commitment to ensuring a secure work environment led us to establish the Good Catch program. This program highlights our unwavering dedication to safety and The Capacity Model. Our team pays meticulous attention to detail, constantly monitoring their surroundings. Their vigilance has proven pivotal in averting safety hazards, all thanks to the Good Catch program.

The success of our Good Catch program continues to grow, with an ever-expanding collection of safety success stories. These stories demonstrate our employees’ enduring commitment to this program. By proactively identifying and rectifying potentially dangerous situations, they ensure the well-being of everyone involved.

This first Good Catch particularly stood out, as the team’s adherence to procedure prevented a potentially life-threatening situation. One day during a routine change of blocking, our crew discovered that the A and C phases were de-energized, but the B phase remained energized. There was a single-phase radial off the B phase that went to a cell tower. The backup generator briefly came on and turned off, de-energizing the B phase. In response, the crew promptly executed a stop timeout. The system operator instructed them to eliminate the back feed from the generator. The crew also promptly notified the cell company, which assured them of immediate resolution. Overall, their swift action ensured safety and allowed time to identify the correct solution.

Our next safety success story involves our crew identifying multiple faulted secondary cables. These cables were discovered while our crew was conducting their initial inspection of a manhole. One of our foremen immediately contacted management and the construction manager. They collaborated to devise a repair plan after obtaining additional resources to determine the best course of action. The following day, the crew entered the manhole and successfully made the cables safe without disrupting service to our customers. Thanks to this crew, crisis was averted, and everyone involved stayed safe.

The last Good Catch is a situation of some melted wires. Before our crew began work to transfer wire, they diligently inspected the affected area and discovered melted strands. Taking immediate action, the crew initiated a stop timeout to strategize. Subsequently, they skillfully sleeved the damaged conductor. Their attention to detail and expertise played a pivotal role in identifying this hazard and preventing any further risks.

In summary, InfraSource’s commitment to safety is evident through the Good Catch program. Our team has proactively averted numerous hazards, from faulted cables to melted wires. These success stories underscore our dedication to maintaining a safety-first work environment.

Celebrating National Intern Day

This summer, we’ve had the privilege of welcoming several interns across our various office locations. They have worked diligently all summer, gaining valuable industry insights and making impactful contributions for our team.

Our internship program offers hands-on experience and learning opportunities, allowing interns to enhance their skills, challenge their strengths, and achieve their full potential. Throughout the summer, they apply classroom knowledge to real-life projects, maximizing practical learning. Additionally, they interact with senior leadership and industry experts during their time at job sites. Our internships cover various fields, including engineering, project management, IT, finance, and more.

In celebration of National Intern Day, we interviewed several of our interns to showcase them and our program. Our featured interns are Lilly Lawson, Danny Abraham, Zak Lahjouji, and Cooper Lucas.

Questions: What are some of your responsibilities?

Lilly: “Writing social media posts and blogs, creating graphics, scheduling content, organizing and updating marketing materials, and so much more!”

Danny: “Typing in tickets from vendors into the AP logs, typing in the work the foreman did into the accounting spreadsheet.”

Zak: “Confirming documentation of installations/removals, scope changes, etc. Documentation and organization of essential fieldwork forms. And communicating with project managers and general foreman to verify discrepancies in documentation.”

Cooper: “Participating in daily jobsite planning. Gathering end-of-day progress updates from the onsite foremen. Various online responsibilities including ticket entries, utility line research, and responding to RFI’s.”

Why did you choose to intern at InfraSource?

Lilly: “InfraSource is such a dynamic company run by the best in the industry, with countless learning opportunities to support my professional growth.”

Danny: “I wanted to get experience in the project management field, because I want to pursue a career in that field after college, I also know there is always room to grow at InfraSource.”

Zak: “Because of my interest in energy distribution. InfraSource also seemed like a positive work environment, which I believe is crucial for organizations to prosper and grow.”

Cooper: “InfraSource is a great opportunity to apply my construction management degree. The company has deep resources and a well-organized internship program.”

What has been your favorite part about your internship so far?

Lilly: “I have loved immersing myself in a new industry and gaining valuable, new learning experiences each day! I’m amazed at how much I’ve learned about marketing and the business world in such a short amount of time. Not to forget that everyone I have met has been incredibly kind, helpful, and welcoming.”

Danny: “Getting immersed in actual projects instead of getting busy work.”

Zak: “Working alongside project/program managers as well as other coordinators to better understand how InfraSource meets client needs. Everyone at the office is extremely friendly and helpful and I feel as though the environment has been very accommodating with any questions or concerns I’ve had.”

Cooper: “Applying what I have learned in my construction management degree on the jobsite. Seeing the planning and work come together on a major gas line project. I have really enjoyed getting to know my work mentor and team at InfraSource. They have been helpful with sharing their knowledge and skills.”

At InfraSource, we place great importance on forward-thinking and recognize the significance of investing in interns for the future of the energy infrastructure industry. Our program is designed to support and sustain tomorrow’s workforce.

We’re delighted to kickstart the infrastructure industry journey for these talented young professionals. On this National Intern Day, we celebrate their passion, dedication, and potential!

To learn more about our internship program, click here.

Dive Deeper Inside the Good Catch Program

Safety is paramount in any organization, and our Good Catch program has proven highly effective. From near misses to proactive interventions, our employees have been instrumental in preventing accidents and ensuring a safe work environment.

The Good Catch Program encourages employees to report safety concerns and potential hazards. It empowers everyone—from frontline workers to management—to actively participate in maintaining a safe workplace. This program continues to provide us with countless safety success stories to share.

This first Good Catch is a bit different from others. On an ordinary workday, the crew had closed a one-way road using cones and signs. One of the crew members suddenly noticed an unexpected situation. A third-party vehicle was speeding down the opposite way of the work zone, being pursued by two police officers. The vehicle was believed to be going at least 70 mph. Without hesitation, he shouted to his crew, “Look out!” His vigilance and prompt action allowed the entire team to escape harm’s way. His awareness and quick thinking protected both himself and his colleagues from a potentially dangerous situation.

This next safety success story involves an improper hot line clamp. One day, our crew was assigned to replace a split cross arm. As they prepared for the job, they noticed an improperly installed transformer hotline clamp on the stirrup. Without hesitation, they initiated a stop timeout to address the issue safely. By adhering to STKY rules and utilizing their stop timeout authority, they prevented an unscheduled transformer outage.

These incidents powerfully remind us of the importance of staying alert and taking decisive steps to prevent potential hazards. Our commitment to safety remains unwavering through the Good Catch program.

From Hazard Identification to Safety Success: The Good Catch Program

At InfraSource, safety isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a way of life. The Good Catch program was put in place as a testament to InfraSource’s dedication to safety and The Capacity Model. Our team must consistently demonstrate close attention to detail, professionalism, and systematic approaches to identifying hazards.

Several field crews have recently gone above and beyond to make a “Good Catch.” These efforts not only ensured everyone’s safety by eliminating hazards but also helped build the capacity to fail safely.

Our first Good Catch program success story comes from one of our electric foremen. One seemingly normal day, while the crew was at work, he noticed something off about a nearby power pole. He went to check out the scene and quickly realized an old secondary service line was disconnected from a nearby garage. He immediately alerted the client and crew of this unsafe condition. His crew then properly de-energized the line, as there were live, exposed connections about four feet above the ground, and ultimately disconnected the service cable.

Next is an instance from one of our recent projects which was aimed at replacing a tangent-structured pole for a new recloser installation. As our crew was taking a job walk, not knowing what they would discover, they identified a deteriorated cross-arm brace on one of the adjacent power poles. One of the foremen rushed to warn the utility construction manager of this hazard. The crew then took corrective measures to clear the hazard, which, left untouched, would have posed a serious threat.

Lastly, we had a situation that occurred while our team was working on a double-circuit power pole. The crew promptly recognized that the adjacent power pole conductor needed to be correctly secured to the top of the porcelain insulator. This crew was quick to react, as they immediately exercised “Stop Work” authority. This allowed them to assess the situation, regroup, and then securely fasten the phase, which prevented costly unscheduled outages.

These prime examples of the Good Catch program highlight the true importance of having such programs in place. The Good Catch program isn’t just about preventing accidents; it’s about fostering a safety-first culture.

DCA’s Safety Person of the Year

Join us in celebrating Dewayne Ward, honored as DCA’s 2023 Safety Person of the Year! This prestigious award recognizes exceptional safety leadership across various domains. Whether spearheading innovative safety initiatives, implementing effective programs in the workplace, or positively impacting the community, recipients like Dewayne Ward exemplify dedication to safety excellence. 

Dewayne, an accomplished professional with over three decades of experience in the natural gas industry, started his career as a laborer. Through dedication, hard work, and a strong commitment to safety, he progressed from operator to general foreman, superintendent, area manager and ultimately became the Director of Operations.

Dewayne’s safety leadership shines through his unwavering commitment to being present in the field, regardless of competing business demands. Recognizing establishing and nurturing a safe work culture hinges on frontline employees, Dewayne directs the majority of his efforts toward them. His time spent on job sites—discussing hazards, implementing effective controls, fostering resilience in the face of challenges, and providing insights into the rationale behind field work—reinforces his commitment to employee safety and well-being.

One of Dewayne’s main focuses has been implementing safe driving techniques. As a result, he has personally overseen several safety initiatives that have improved the safety culture at InfraSource. Dewayne’s commitment to safe driving extends beyond the workplace to employees commuting daily. As a result, overall safety and well-being have improved, and at-fault vehicle incidents have decreased.

Dewayne’s remarkable contributions have significantly enhanced safety within the natural gas industry. His commitment to safety and quality has garnered respect and admiration from colleagues and peers alike. His lasting impact on the industry makes him the well-deserved recipient of the 2023 DCA Safety Person of the Year Award.

Detroit Mechanic Teams Heroic Response

On a chilly February morning, the InfraSource Detroit mechanic shop buzzed with its usual activity. The team members, seasoned and dedicated, went about their daily tasks—turning wrenches, engines humming, and camaraderie filling the air.

Without warning, a fellow mechanic was lying on the floor. Unresponsive. Instinct kicked in as their colleague’s life hung in their hands, and they had no time to spare.

The morning’s Job Hazard Analysis briefing had drilled emergency roles into the team’s head, and now those roles became lifelines. The mechanic team moved as one, and all took their assigned roles.

The Recovery Position: They gently shifted their teammate onto his side, creating a protective cocoon. Meanwhile, someone dialed emergency services.

The AED Retrieval: Another mechanic sprinted to the wall-mounted Automated External Defibrillator (AED). They tore it open, ready to jolt life back into their friend. The AED was NOT utilized, only retrieved.

Outside the Shop: Other team members stationed themselves strategically beyond the shop’s doors. They directed the approaching emergency vehicles to the shop. The fallen employee received critical care treatment by emergency services personnel in a very timely manner.

It wasn’t just about safety protocols or assigned roles. The entire mechanic shop team upheld InfraSource’s Safety and Team Core Values.

Receiving the Quanta Commitment Coin is an extreme honor, demonstrating our dedication to our employees. This prestigious award is given to those who exemplify safe work habits and an unwavering commitment to safety.

A group of InfraSource people standing with their Quanta commitment coins.