Digging Deep: An OKIE811 Podcast

Join host MG Govia and new bilingual co-host Luis Renon as they reflect on Luis's first ever safety presentation, live lessons from Safety Days, what it means to present in a second language, and the importance of real-life examples in excavation safety. They cover everything from white lining basics to trenching dangers, emergency response tips, and how even a Thunder game delay can turn into a teachable moment. Whether you're an excavator, emergency responder, or utility pro, this episode is packed with practical takeaways—and some fun behind-the-scenes moments too.

I had a great conversation with Louis Panzer, Executive Director of North Carolina 811, on the latest episode of Digging Deep! We dove into the topic of Imposter Syndrome—how it shows up in the Damage Prevention industry and leadership roles, and why acknowledging it can make us stronger leaders and teammates. Excited to share this important and often overlooked discussion. Give it a listen and let us know your thoughts!

In this episode of "Safety Scoops," we explore the critical role of soil mechanics in excavation safety. We delve into the importance of understanding soil properties and classification systems, such as the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS) and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) classification. The episode covers essential soil properties—cohesion, internal friction angle, and moisture content—and their impact on excavation stability. We discuss various soil testing methods, from visual inspections to sophisticated laboratory tests, and highlight effective soil stabilization techniques like reinforcement, compaction, and chemical stabilization. Real-world case studies emphasize the consequences of neglecting proper soil analysis and the benefits of thorough soil mechanics knowledge in preventing excavation accidents. Tune in to ensure your excavation projects are safe and successful!

Join us as M.G. and Kelly, the Communications Director for the Common Ground Alliance (CGA), delve into the world of damage prevention and safety in the excavation industry. In this episode, we explore the evolution of the 811 system, the history and growth of CGA, and the critical role of technology and data in improving excavation practices. Discover the innovative strategies CGA is employing to spread their message, the challenges faced in promoting consistent safety behaviors, and the exciting new initiatives on the horizon, including an online excavator education curriculum and a series of video interviews with industry leaders. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the industry, this podcast offers valuable insights into the importance of collaboration, education, and technological advancements in ensuring the safety and sustainability of our underground infrastructure.

Excavation work is really important for many construction projects, like building foundations and putting in utility lines. However, there are many hidden dangers underground that could threaten the safety of workers and the project if they are not properly identified and addressed. This is why it is crucial to thoroughly assess the site before starting any excavation work.

In the debut episode of "Safety Scoops," delve into the crucial topic of trench collapses. Learn about the inherent risks, safety measures, and real-life case studies that underscore the importance of prioritizing safety in excavation projects. Join us as we dig deep into the essential knowledge needed to ensure every excavation is a safe one.

Join us for a conversation with the OKIE811 Education and Outreach Department. Become a partner with OKIE811 in damage prevention events! Learn how to stay connected with the latest damage prevention news and happenings

For this episode, we take a look at imposter syndrome, how it can affect our work, and ways to overcome it to support safety when on the job

In this episode of Digging Deep, we sit down with the leadership team of OKIE811 and talk about some of the accomplishments of the last year and some exciting new projects we have coming up. You won't want to miss out!

We all know the importance of 811 to have facility operators locate and mark underground assets that are near excavation. Often times, there are also private lines at the worksite that also needs protected like sprinklers, propane and additional service runs of water, electricity, gas. Jordan Partlow, with Blood Hound, shares why it is important to make a second call after 811 for private line locating services.

Chris Stovall is President & CEO of Texas811, as well as Co-founder & CEO of Line-Scape. Chris shares his thoughts on the damage prevention industry and highlights some exciting technology for the future of damage prevention. Check out this episode to learn about how this new technology could impact your next project. You can reach Chris at Chrisstovall@line-scape.com

In this special episode of Digging Deep, we take a look at one of our recent webinars that covers the importance of the difference between Remark vs Extend Update tickets.

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. In this podcast, M.G. and Jamie Jones, LPC discuss the importance of mental health awareness and safety in the workplace. They highlight the impact of work-related stress on employees' mental and physical health and suggest strategies that companies can use to address mental health in their workplace. The experts emphasize the importance of creating a culture where employees feel supported and valued and where they know they can speak up if they are experiencing mental health issues.

In this episode of Digging Deep we sit down with OKIE811 Education & Outreach Coordinator Stephen Shenold to discuss the various upcoming education opportunities and how you can be involved. You won't want to miss this so I hope you will join us.

Mike Sullivan joins us to discuss the history of Utility Safety Partners. They are the communication service between the digging community and the owners of infrastructure in Alberta, Canada. Over 90% of all locate requests made through USP are done online. Mike shares the reasoning of online tickets and how they are safer and more efficient for the damage prevention process.

This month's guest is Allissa Sims with Kimbel Mechanical Systems. Alissa sheds some light on what excavators can do to ensure safety and damage prevention during their jobs. Our discussion covers the importance of communication on jobsites with other stakeholders and what to do if damages do occur. It was a great discussion and we are thankful of Kimbel knowing the importance of 811.

CGA Hall of Famer, Tracey Bryant of CenterPoint Energy joins us to talk about the evolution of damage prevention and the role of 811 centers.

NuStar Energy's Keely Hosmann joins us to talk about our partnership in damage prevention. Keely is the One Call Coordinator for NuStar. We discuss the importance of 811 and how facility operators work with OKIE811 to promote safe digging and damage prevention.

We had a great discussion with the guys of Cross Timbers Brewing Co. They are the brewers behind OKIE811's beer this year! In this episode we talk about our partnership, and how using beer to market 811 to the general public works.

Texas 811 and OKIE811 discuss damage prevention efforts in our states and how we work together to keep excavators safe.

In this episode, we are joined by Tyler Dunlap and Renelle Freeman as we discuss the culture and benefits of working for OKIE811 as well as highlight some current opportunities

April is National Safe Digging Month. Shane Palmer with USIC talks about the importance of 811 and how the locating industry works.

We had a great time during the 2022 Oklahoma Excavation Safety Expo. Don't take just our word for it, we asked attendees, exhibitors, and trainers what it was like to be a part of the EXPO. Listen to what they had to say, and plan on being part of next year's largest conference in Oklahoma dedicated to excavation safety and damage prevention.

On Digging Deep this month, we discuss the importance of a shared vision from different stakeholders in the Damage Prevention Industry. Listen in as Jason Crowe of Green Equipment Company and Tim Teel with Summit Utilities share their perspectives in collaborating to keep excavators safe and utilities protected from damage.

There have been a few updates to the Oklahoma Underground Facilities Damage Prevention Act that went into effect on November 1, 2021. In this special episode, OKIE811's Executive Director, Susan Bohl joined Jeff Kaufmann of the Oklahoma Gas Association to discuss these changes and how it affects the one-call process.

We wrap up the OKIE811 series with a conversation with Jerrell Welch, Director of Operations. We discuss the technology used to process locate requests from mapping to phone systems. The future of damage prevention with advancements in technology are improving the safety of workers around underground facilities. Check out this podcast for some serious Damage Prevention Geek talk.

The OKIE811 Series continues with this week's guest, Angie Niemeyer. Angie is the Director of Business and Education Services. We discuss the evolution of OKIE811's Education and Outreach efforts over the last 15 years and look to the future with new ideas. Listen in as M.G. talks with his boss about all things OKIE811.

This month we are going to celebrate 811 Day (August 11th) by providing a series of podcasts about OKIE811. In our first episode, we sit down with our Executive Director, Susan Bohl, to discuss the changes in OKIE811 since the establishment of the organization and through her leadership.

Working safely in Oklahoma is about preparedness. Not only do you need to contact OKIE811 prior to your excavation projects, you need to be prepared to work in Oklahoma extreme temperatures as well. John Graham with EMSA Oklahoma shares with us how to be prepared and stay safe when working in the heat of summer, and the cold of winter.

Cecilia Stewart of Enable Midstream joins us this week to discuss their efforts in public awareness and communication with excavators. We share stories of how to go beyond what the locate request says in order to be more proactive for future projects. Enable Midstream and OKIE811 collaborated in providing 811 information to mandarin speaking workers in Oklahoma, check out how that came about in this podcast.

Tim Teel, Damage Prevention Coordinator of CenterPoint Energy shares with us the importance of 811. Being a local distribution company, CernterPoint Energy promotes safe digging not only to professional excavators but also the general public and homeowners. We discuss getting the message to anyone who may use a shovel.

Tux Jackson of Plains All American joins us to discuss the importance of 811 and damage prevention. We explain the responsibilities of underground facility operators in the one-call process. The discussion breaks down the operator's role in public awareness before the call and damage prevention after the locate request has been made.

In this special episode of Digging Deep we sit down with Cherokee Ballard from Oklahoma Natural Gas to discuss the significance of National Safe Digging Month and the importance of contacting OKIE811 before you dig.

Jason Crowe, Green Equipment Company, joins us to discuss damage prevention culture. All stakeholders of underground facilities have a role in protecting workers, promoting safety, and prevention of damage. By utilizing partnerships within the industry our efforts can be more successful and rewarding.

During our talk with Betsey Kulakowski with Oklahoma Safety Council, we discuss our partnership, upcoming events, and training that OSC provides. Be sure to listen about OSHA changes because of the pandemic and the new presidency.

We sat down with Jim and James for an episode of their podcast "Coffee with Jim & James" from Energy Worldnet.   Coffee with Jim & James Podcast Channel: https://open.spotify.com/show/061lVDa6FLXBw9skqDpiiW?si=cOK3ZKgUT1yQydOhGkbnpA

Carl Carlson, Safety Director and Risk Manager of Becco Contractors talks with us regarding the importance of using 811. We discuss best practices, lessons learned, and how to properly utilize 811's services.

Bureau of Labor Statistics data show that about 25 workers are killed each year in trench-related mishaps. Trenching Safety is an important topic and in today's podcast, Ben Montoya of Tri-State Safety Services discusses the best practices regarding trenching. 

In this episode of The OKIE811 Podcast, OSC's Executive Director, Betsey Kulakowski, and M.G. discuss National Safety Month, our upcoming conferences, and how or organizations provide safety training.

Locating technology is a major factor in damage prevention. Jason Crowe and I discuss the importance of understanding underground utility locating to have a safe excavation project.

 In this special episode we take a look at how OKIE811 has adjusted and navigated in response to the outbreak of COVID-19.

Join us in this episode as we give a brief overview of some of the best practices for safe excavation in the state of Oklahoma.

The OKIE811 Online Certification Course covers all you need to know about best practices and safe digging in the state of Oklahoma. This course is online and completed anywhere and on your own time. This course is also 100% FREE to you. To learn more go to OKIE811.training

Join us as we talk with Cherokee Ballard with Oklahoma Natural Gas on the importance of safe digging and always contacting OKIE811 before you dig.

When you call 811, the federally designated call-before-you-dig number, you protect yourself and others from unintentionally hitting underground utility lines. There are millions of miles of buried utilities beneath the surface of the earth that are vital to everyday living like water, telecommunications, electricity and natural gas. In this podcast we discuss the importance of always contacting 811 before you dig.