My Day with ATCO

Mike Sullivan - President - Utility Safety Partners

As president of Utility Safety Partners, I sometimes get to do some really fun stuff. For instance, I spent a day last week capturing video footage for 2025’s damage prevention education and awareness with ATCO Gas employees. We’d talked about this effort for ages! So, the sense of accomplishment when the day’s efforts concluded was very real!

With an aim to educate the public on the importance of identifying and preventing damage to gas lines, thereby protecting both people and property, the videos were storyboarded by ATCO Damage Prevention Coordinator Mike Woloski. Let me tell you, he was thorough!

The day began early at the ATCO Gas office, where we gathered for a brief meeting. Everyone shared their thoughts on the video content, discussing key messages that need to be conveyed. Mike had pre-selected three sites where we would record video and had coordinated efforts with Canadian Locators Inc. to secure one of their young, bright and experienced locators, Owen Benson, who can now pad his resume with aspirations of Hollywood.

Once the plan was set, we headed out to various construction sites and residential areas. The team was well-prepared to film informative segments that will be used in future training, education, and awareness programs for members of the digging community, homeowners and even other utility owners.

Throughout the day, the team captured various scenarios demonstrating safe digging practices and particularly, how to preserve locate markings. Team ATCO took turns acting and showcasing how to properly use tools and equipment while ATCO Damage Prevention Coordinator Derek Vokins and I recorded, reviewed and either suggested a retake or moved on to the next location.

During breaks, the team reflected on the impact we hope this work will have on the digging community and the damage prevention process. For instance, preserving locate markings relative to fixed nearby objects will dramatically reduce re-locate requests and help maintain the pace of construction. We also discussed how effective communication helps mitigate risks.

The day spent with my ATCO colleagues shooting damage prevention videos was time well-spent and highlights the company’s commitment to safety and community engagement. Through their efforts, damage prevention education and awareness will improve – and it’s not just about protecting buried utilities; it’s about safeguarding lives and ensuring a safe environment for everyone.