The last several months have been especially active for IBEW 1245’s Peer-to-Peer Safety Committees as members continue to strengthen safety culture, share best practices, and support member-led safety initiatives across the Brotherhood.
A reflection of the success and reputation of IBEW 1245’s Peer-to-Peer programs came earlier this spring when representatives from each committee were invited to share their experiences and successes at IBEW Local 77’s George Brooks Safety Summit.
The conference brought together union leaders, peer committee members, and safety advocates to discuss workplace safety, mental health, peer support, and the role union members play in protecting one another on the job.
Representatives from Hold the Pull, Regulate the Voltage, Keep the Clearance, and Control the Pressure shared successful initiatives and lessons learned from their respective committees.
Hold the Pull (Brady Brunson) set the tone by sharing videos and a deeply personal account of an injury suffered by a fellow apprentice. His presentation grounded attendees in the “why” behind peer-to-peer safety efforts and emphasized that safety is ultimately a commitment to the person working beside you.
Regulate the Voltage (Neil Norris) highlighted the committee’s success with QR code contact cards and discussed the importance of maintaining peer-to-peer programs as member-driven initiatives. Norris emphasized that member trust is built when programs remain independent and focused on helping members support one another. He also shared information about IBEW 1245’s Veterans Committee and offered guidance to Local 77 should they choose to develop a similar program.
Keep the Clearance (Russell Gordon) discussed challenges facing tree crews, including contractor layoffs, demotions, and the obstacles subcontracting can create for both safety stewards and peer representatives in the field.
Control the Pressure (Mike Gauci) shared several examples of how peer-led efforts have translated into real-world safety improvements.
Gauci discussed his recent experience of being assaulted while working in the field, highlighting the unique hazards faced by lone workers and the need to remain aware of environmental and personal safety risks in addition to traditional workplace hazards.
He also discussed efforts to improve dispatch policies for Gas Service Representatives, helping ensure employees are not sent back into potentially dangerous situations without appropriate law enforcement support.
Additionally, Gauci highlighted the committee’s advocacy for improved ladder safety standards, including the adoption of 600-volt-rated non-conductive ladders and the eventual replacement of older conductive ladders currently in service.
The conference also featured a presentation from Assistant Business Manager Jody Castro, who provided a deeper look at the “invisible” side of workplace safety.
Castro discussed the origins and importance of IBEW 1245’s Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) program and emphasized that mental health is every bit as important as physical safety. Through peer support following traumatic incidents, members are able to receive assistance from fellow union members who understand the unique challenges of utility work and can help ensure members are truly ready to return to duty.
Following the George Brooks Safety Summit, IBEW 1245 hosted its annual Peer-to-Peer Safety Summit in Vacaville, bringing together members from across the union’s peer committees to share ideas and learn from one another. Those lessons are then carried back into the field, where they connect directly with members, facilitate safety discussions, make presentations at crew meetings and union events, support members through critical incidents, and identify opportunities to improve workplace safety.
Together, these events demonstrate the continued growth and impact of IBEW 1245’s Peer-to-Peer programs and the union’s commitment to ensuring every member returns home safely at the end of the day.