2024 MWDPTC
2024 Session
Safety Pre-Jobs for Natural Gas Construction – Presenter: Evan Hamilton, Director of Natural Gas Operations, The Hydaker-Wheatlake Company
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Managing physical and mental safety hazards is critical for ensuring job site safety and efficiency. The Hydaker-Wheatlake Company has developed a unique safety pre-job approach that not only addresses physical hazards, but also focuses on personal risks, using a detailed, score-based risk assessment and mitigation process.
In this session, Evan Hamilton, Director of Gas Operations at Hydaker-Wheatlake Company, will showcase how the company has integrated a Crew Resource Management (CRM) developed by NASA and Operational Risk Management (ORM) used in aviation, military, and medical fields into their safety protocols to create a comprehensive approach to risk management. By combining these two methodologies, Hydaker-Wheatlake’s safety process addresses both physical and mental risks, offering a well-rounded approach that helps teams in the natural gas construction industry operate more safely and effectively.
The Journey to 50 in 5 With the Common Ground Alliance - Presenter: Khrysanne Kerr, Vice President of Marketing and Outreach, Common Ground Alliance
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Improving damage prevention efforts in the U.S. requires a multi-faceted approach that integrates technology, education, regulation and collaboration among stakeholders. A primary challenge facing the industry is preventing damage to underground utilities during excavation and construction. This session, led by Common Ground Alliance’s Khrysanne Kerr, will explore how advanced technologies—such as GPS mapping, ground-penetrating radar and predictive analytics—can enhance the accuracy of locating underground infrastructure, while also emphasizing the importance of education and training programs, as well as public awareness campaigns that equip workers and contractors with the knowledge of risks and best practices for safe digging. Attendees will also learn how collaborative efforts between utility companies, government agencies and private contractors are critical for establishing standardized safety procedures within the industry. Discover how these combined efforts can strengthen damage prevention, protect vital infrastructure, and aid in the industry’s 50 in 5 damage reduction goal to reduce underground damages by 50% over the next five years.
Data-Driven Insights for Enhanced Damage Prevention Management - Presenters: Brian Peters, Chief Product Officer, KorTerra; Jason Poyser, Senior Director of Utilities, Metronet
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Organizations are increasingly looking to leverage data insights to improve decision-making, and the damage prevention industry is no exception. With vast amounts of data available, identifying recurring patterns can significantly impact decisions related to risk, staffing and operational efficiency, ultimately helping to reduce damages. In this session, experts from KorTerra and Metronet will lead an in-depth discussion on how data can transform management practices. Attendees will explore a real-world case study of how Metronet effectively utilized data to shape its damage prevention strategy, resulting in substantial cost savings and valuable tax deductions. This session will provide practical insights and actionable strategies for harnessing the power of data to optimize performance and enhance organizational decision-making in damage prevention.
Managing a Large-Scale Underground Utility Project With Limited Resources - Presenter: Kevin Blair, Engineering Supervisor, Columbus City Utilities
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Discover how Columbus City Utilities successfully navigated a complex two- to-three-year fiber-to-home project that covered 100% of the city and 85% of the county. This session will explore how the utility maintained close communication with engineering and consulting firms, fostered strong relationships with in-state and out-of-state boring companies, and implemented efficient practices like white lining to reduce unnecessary markings and save valuable time. Join us to discover how a small project team of just three staff members successfully kept operations running smoothly on a large-scale project. Additionally, attendees will gain insights into how incorporating pictures and files into dig ticket requests can streamline the process for both utility locators and contractors, enhancing 811 system efficiency and preventing unnecessary damages.
Unlocking the Future of Infrastructure: How AI is Revolutionizing Utility Mapping & the Subsurface Ecosystem - Presenters: Jemmie Wang, Partner, AcretivPartners, LLP; Kaustubh Page, Senior Director of Product Management, 4M Analytics
This session will explore the critical need for digital transformation in subsurface utility mapping and asset management to advance our nation’s infrastructure. As infrastructure funding surges and civil engineer shortages persist, traditional methods like manual utility record research are increasingly inadequate, leading to fragmented and inaccurate data that cause delays, cost overruns and create safety risks. This session will delve into why accelerating digital transformation is crucial, driven by the complexity of subsurface ecosystems and evolving infrastructure demands. Jemmie Wang with AcretivPartners, LLP and Kaustubh Page with 4M Analytics will discuss real-world examples of how adopting technological innovations and fostering stakeholder collaboration can provide a competitive edge, with a focus on how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can enhance efficiency, maximize ROI and mitigate risk associated with digging near underground utilities.
The Power of Don’t - Presenter: John Brix, International Safety Speaker
The human psyche is divided into two parts – the conscious and subconscious mind — that must work together for true success on the job. In “The Power of Don’t,” former police officer and oil and gas industry professional John Brix will share his innovative and progressive philosophies about the conscious and subconscious mind that can help develop more efficient safety programs, increase the learning potential of workers, and cultivate an emotionally intelligent culture that is productive and adaptive for all. Participants in this session will learn how to foster an “Always Safe” philosophy, manage stress, and effectively communicate through tools that lengthen long-term memory recall, increase the success of learning, and decrease the time spent on training and information delivery.
Damage Prevention Breakthroughs: Real-World Examples Using Collinear Fiber-Optic Sensing - Presenter: Geoff Roberts, Advisory Board Member, FiberSense
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The Internet of Things (IoT) has frequently disappointed with its high costs, significant maintenance requirements and limited insights into underground networks. This session will highlight how collinear sensing using existing fiber- optic networks provides effective solutions to these issues. Fiber-optic sensing turns fiber-optic cables into a massive, highly sensitive monitoring array that offers real-time situational awareness and actionable intelligence for a variety of underground assets. Attendees will gain insights into practical applications of fiber-optic sensing and Sensing as a Service, learning from real-world examples of how this technology has led to a more than 50% reduction in damage events within the first year of deployment. Discover how this innovative approach can address persistent challenges and enhance network management.
Cross-Bores: Dangers and Prevention - Presenter: Saul Lopez, Vice President of Business Development, Pipe View America
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Cross-bores can remain undetected for decades, posing an unknown danger to the integrity of utility facilities and potentially leading to serious accidents. This session will explore how well-established construction practices can prevent these hidden threats and keep projects on track toward achieving the 50 in 5 damage reduction goal presented by Common Ground Alliance in 2023 that aims to reduce underground damages by 50% over the next five years. Attendees will gain valuable insights into strategies and techniques that enhance safety and prevent cross-bores, ensuring more reliable and secure utility installations.
Demystifying the INDOT Utility Coordination Process: Damage Prevention Basics - Presenters: Josshé Palm, Utility & Railroad Engineer, Indiana Department of Transportation; Daniel McMurtry, Utility Engineer, Indiana Department of Transportation
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This session will provide utility representatives with an in-depth explanation of the Indiana Department of Transportation’s (INDOT) utility coordination process, covering the roles and responsibilities of a utility coordinator and oversight agent, along with common mistakes to avoid when responding to notices. It will also address key considerations for utility locating, when to request Subsurface Utility Engineering (SUE), and how to work effectively with INDOT on relocation adjustments. Attendees will also learn best practices for responding to utility notices like Initial Notices and Work Plan Requests, while avoiding common work plan errors. By the end, participants will understand how to protect their utilities during construction and ensure successful coordination with INDOT for project success.
The Importance of Mentoring in Damage Prevention - Presenter: Jeremy Wyatt, Director of Quality and Training, Miller Pipeline
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This session will explore the critical role of mentoring in retaining new employees within the damage prevention industry. With workforce challenges and the upcoming retirement of many long-term employees, a structured mentoring program can keep new hires engaged while helping them develop a clear career path. It also provides seasoned professionals a way to pass on their valuable knowledge and expertise, ensuring that essential skills in damage prevention are preserved. Attendees will learn how mentoring fosters confidence, builds industry-specific skills, and supports the long-term success of their teams and organizations.
A Comprehensive Look at Private Utility Locates - Presenters: Mike Iadanza, Senior Vice President, Mason Private Locating, LLC;Jake Mason, President & Managing Partner, Mason Private Locating, LLC
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In this informative session, experts from Mason Private Locating will delve into the critical distinctions between public and private utility locates, addressing a common oversight among project managers who typically rely solely on 811 for utility marking. While 811 provides valuable information about public utilities, many underground utilities—such as sewer laterals, private power feeds and water services—are often unmarked and overlooked.
This session will explore the nuances of underground infrastructure, including scenarios involving hospitals, universities and manufacturing facilities, highlighting the importance of being aware of utilities you may not even know exist. Join the Mason Private Locating team as we discuss the necessity of collaborating with both 811 and private utility locating services. You’ll gain insights that can enhance project efficiency and ensure the safety and success of your next venture. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your understanding of utility locates!
Collaborating to Reduce the Burden of 811 Tickets on Highway Projects - Presenters: Kenny Franklin, Senior Project Manager, Parsons Transportation Group; Aaron Day, Utility & SUE Coordinator, American Structurepoint, Inc.
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This session will examine how new and emerging technologies can improve collaboration for cost-effective and safe construction practices, addressing the industry’s ongoing concern of the overburden of 811 tickets. By exploring opportunities for utilities and highway project owners to collaborate through viable utility investigations and verifications, this session will identify ways to reduce ticket demand. Participants will also learn about initiatives in other states that are mapping utilities to geospatial coordinates using advanced technologies and engineering methods. This interactive session will encourage participant engagement and discussion on solutions to these industry-wide challenges.
The Underserved Contractor: We Need Technology, Too - Presenter: Baker Wallace, Vice President, Norfield
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Excavators are at the heart of the 811 notification process, submitting tickets and operating heavy machinery, while facing significant risks in the field. Many excavators lack access to advanced tools that enhance safety and minimize costly damages. In this session, Norfield will explore innovative, purpose- built solutions specifically designed for excavators, showcasing cutting-edge technology that streamlines operations and improves safety outcomes. Participants will be invited to share their real-world challenges, fostering a collaborative dialogue that identifies key issues and explores how tech providers like Norfield are stepping up to deliver tailored solutions. Attend this session to help shape the future of excavation safety and efficiency, ensuring that every excavator is equipped for success.
Why Ask Why? How We Can Prevent Utility Damage Through Root Cause Analysis - Presenter: Brent Smith, Business Development Manager, Specialties Company, LLC
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This session is designed to enhance your ability to prevent recurring utility damage incidents by identifying and addressing the fundamental causes of failures. Participants will delve into the “5 Why” root cause analysis technique, exploring practical examples that uncover underlying issues and provide actionable strategies for implementing effective solutions. Whether you work in field operations, project management, or safety and health, this presentation will equip you with essential tools to improve incident prevention, and ensure the integrity of your operations. Transform your approach to damage prevention and foster a culture of continuous improvement within your organization.
The Storytelling Brain - Presenter: John Brix, International Safety Speaker
Building on the insights from “The Power of Don’t” session presented by John Brix on Wednesday, this session delves into the concept of ‘rumination’— a thought process that contributes to long-term stress and impacts our overall well-being. While “The Power of Don’t” offers participants a new understanding of the human brain’s ability to process and analyze information, “The Storytelling Brain” focuses on how our thought patterns can perpetuate stress and hinder our mental health. Participants will learn how to recognize and confront rumination, a common cognitive pattern that leads to prolonged stress. Whether or not you participated in John Brix’s Wednesday session, this presentation will equip you with practical techniques to interrupt negative thought patterns, fostering mental well-being and strengthening emotional resilience for an improved quality of life.
Indiana 811 Member Utility Session - Utilizing Exactix - Presenters: Carly Dunsmore, Member Services Specialist, Indiana 811; Jill Gast, Director of Operations and Business Intelligence, Indiana 811
This session is tailored specifically for utility companies that own or operate underground facilities in Indiana and are members of Indiana 811. Attendees will gain valuable insights into leveraging the exclusive tools available to members, including a walkthrough of how to manually enter positive responses for locate requests within the Exactix system. Join us to explore best practices, streamline your operations and ensure compliance with state regulations. Whether you’re new to Exactix or looking to optimize your processes, this session will provide the knowledge and guidance you need to make the most of Indiana 811’s member-specific features.
All-Conference Session on 811 Law Changes You Need to Know About - Presenters: Jeremy Comeau, Assistant General Counsel, Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission; Steve Allen, Executive Director of Pipeline Safety, Energy Worldnet, Inc.; Kurt Youngs, President, Youngs Excavating, Inc.
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Earlier this year, the Indiana General Assembly passed, and Governor Holcomb signed into law, changes to the 811 Law, Indiana Code chapter 8-1-26, that will take effect January 1, 2025. This final session of the conference will explore the background and rationale behind these changes, and detail their implications for industry stakeholders. Participants will gain a comprehensive understanding of the new provisions and will be equipped with essential information needed to navigate the upcoming changes. Don’t miss this opportunity to stay informed about the 811 Dig Law.