Electrical Safety Month is a reminder that safety is not just a procedure in utility work. It is a mindset built through preparation, communication, and constant situational awareness. In industries where teams work around energized systems, damaged infrastructure, and rapidly changing conditions, safety decisions matter every second of the day.
At Allied Resources Group (ARG), safety is foundational to how our companies support critical infrastructure across the country. From utility construction and outage management to storm restoration and field operations, maintaining safe work environments protects not only crews in the field, but also the communities that depend on reliable power.
As part of Electrical Safety Month, we spoke with Brad Ritter, Operations Manager, Utility Construction / Outage Management Services / Storm Support at RTR Energy Solutions, about the realities of electrical safety in the field, the importance of communication during storm restoration, and the lessons both workers and the public should keep top of mind.
Q&A with Brad Ritter
What are the biggest electrical safety risks you see in utility construction, outage management, and storm support work, and how do your teams reduce them day to day?
“One of the biggest risks in utility construction is working around, near, or directly on energized lines,” Brad explained. “That’s why situational awareness is always our first line of defense.”
Brad emphasized that safety starts long before work begins in the field. RTR Energy Solutions relies heavily on communication protocols and its PTAG (Permit and Tag) system to help ensure crews are working on de-energized lines whenever possible.
“We utilize a three-part communication system with the DCC (Distribution Control Center) and TCC (Transmission Control Center), which help coordinate outages, switching procedures, and line clearances to ensure crews are working safely on de-energized systems, especially on transmission systems 69kV and above,” he said. “Our outage management team plays a major role in locating those blocking points and helping establish the safest possible work zone for crews.”
Storm restoration adds another level of complexity.
“During storm response, the environment changes constantly,” Brad said. “Crews are often working around energized lines, damaged equipment, and downed wires. That requires strong communication, understanding the scope of work, and making sure everyone involved understands the tasks required to restore power safely.”
The work is fast paced, but Brad stressed that speed can never come at the expense of safety.
“Good communication and understanding of the work are what allow crews to respond efficiently while still protecting workers and the public.”
Since May is Electrical Safety Month, what safety habits or reminders do you think are most important for both workers and the public to remember?
For Brad, one of the simplest reminders is also one of the most important.
“Water and electricity don’t mix,” he said.
He explained that both at home and in the field, weather conditions can quickly create dangerous situations.
“At home, people should be mindful of appliances around sinks, bathtubs, kitchens, and wet surfaces,” Brad said. “Something as simple as a damaged extension cord laying on a rain-soaked driveway can create a serious hazard.”
He also pointed out how quickly electrical incidents can become severe.
“It only takes a very small amount of electrical current to cause serious injury or worse,” he explained.
In the field, crews continuously monitor changing weather conditions.
“If we have heavy rain or lightning, work stops because conditions become unsafe,” Brad said. “You may not be able to see electricity, but crews know the dangers are there, especially around transmission lines.”
Brad highlighted the importance of maintaining minimum approach distances around energized infrastructure to avoid arc flash or accidental contact.
For the public, his message during storms is direct and urgent:
“Stay at least 20 feet away from any downed power line or wire and treat every line as energized,” he said. “Do not attempt to drive over or around it thinking your vehicle will protect you. Turn around and stay alive.”
During storm response or emergency restoration, what extra precautions matter most when conditions are changing fast and crews are working around damaged lines, equipment, and debris?
According to Brad, communication becomes even more critical during emergency restoration work.
“From the moment a dispatch order is received until the job is closed out, we are in constant communication with DCC operators, Permit Holders, and field crews,” he explained.
That coordination helps crews stay aware of hazards before work even begins.
“We need to understand where energized lines are located, whether there are broken poles or downed trees nearby, and whether other crews are still operating within the same area,” Brad said. “You never want to energize a line while workers or equipment are still in the hot zone.”
Storm environments often create hazards that are not immediately visible.
“Crews are constantly communicating about damaged equipment, unstable trees, blocked access areas, and anything else that could create additional safety concerns before arriving onsite,” he said.
Brad also shared an important message for drivers traveling near restoration crews.
“Please slow down and be patient,” he said. “If you see line trucks, flashing lights, or flaggers, use caution, especially at night. There may be workers near the roadway or moving between equipment that drivers cannot immediately see.”
He noted that many crews responding to major storm events are traveling from outside the local area and may be unfamiliar with the roads.
“Crews are working long hours and moving as quickly as possible, but there are procedures in place for a reason,” Brad explained. “Even if it appears a crew is waiting or stopped, they may be coordinating with another team or waiting for official clearance to safely energize a line.”
Why Electrical Safety Awareness Matters
Electrical safety extends far beyond utility crews in the field. Severe weather, damaged infrastructure, and everyday electrical hazards can affect entire communities in seconds. That is why preparation, awareness, and communication remain essential at every level.
For organizations supporting critical infrastructure, safety is not treated as a standalone initiative or seasonal reminder. It is part of everyday operations, from planning and coordination to field execution and emergency response.
At ARG, our companies support utility, engineering, inspection, staffing, and field service operations where safety, accountability, and communication are critical to project success. Electrical Safety Month serves as an opportunity to recognize the professionals working in high-risk environments while also reinforcing practical safety habits the public can apply every day.
As Brad put it, “You can’t see electricity, but that doesn’t make it any less dangerous.”
Safety Starts Long Before the Work Begins
Electrical safety starts with awareness.
Whether crews are responding to storm damage, coordinating outage management operations, or working around energized infrastructure, safety depends on preparation, communication, and respecting the risks involved.
For the public, that means slowing down near restoration crews, staying clear of downed wires, and recognizing that changing weather conditions can create hazards that are not always visible.
For utility and field operations teams, it means maintaining the processes, communication systems, and situational awareness that protect workers and communities every day.
At ARG and RTR Energy Solutions, safety remains central to how critical infrastructure work gets done — not just during Electrical Safety Month, but every day in the field.