The ABCGA’s Education and Marketing Committee has successfully promoted damage prevention and safe digging practices, implemented outreach programs, and developed stakeholder communication strategies for many years. Merging the Alberta One Call Team (AOC) with the Alberta Common Ground Alliance (ABCGA) is a huge step forward, and we are evolving into the Utility Safety Partners (USP) Education and Public Awareness Committee. Our initiatives have expanded to include the promotion of safe working practices near above ground utility lines, the development of a recognition program, and more! While our goal remains the same — to keep people safe while working near energy and utility lines — the committee is working hard on establishing the fundamentals of how to best achieve this goal as we move forward as one unified organization.
The foundation of the Education and Public Awareness Committee’s initiatives starts with partnership. By collaborating with industry stakeholders, we can deliver consistent messaging to our collective audience. This consistency further amplifies the outreach programs that are already in place and reinforces the importance of the safety messages. By collaborating with other working committees, we can raise awareness about ongoing damage prevention “Best Practices” initiatives that the other committees are working toward and encourage participation from all stakeholder groups. We are all, after all, partners in safety.
This foundation grows through the establishment of messaging plans and content. Information about working safely near overhead utilities is being incorporated into the committee’s outreach program. Opportunities for reaching new audiences are being examined. Social media campaigns are being planned. Virtual and physical resources and promotional items, that can be shared and used by all of our partners, are being developed.
By taking a step back and determining the fundamentals that will drive the Education and Public Awareness Committee forward, we are ready to move into 2022 and beyond with the tools we need to continue to promote effective damage prevention and safe working practices
Contact the Education and Awareness Committee by emailing info@utilitysafety.ca
Kassi Zaba – Member Liaison, USP