NASSCO Safety Podcast

Dennis Pivin and Jax Vollmer discuss the safety considerations surrounding confined space entry during CCTV inspection operations. While many inspections are performed remotely, situations still arise where workers must enter sewer systems to perform maintenance or troubleshoot a situation. Jax explains the importance of gas monitoring, ventilation, rescue systems, and proper entry procedures to protect workers during these high-risk operations.

Dennis Pivin speaks with Chris White about the importance of industry advocacy and the role NASSCO plays in influencing government policy that affects worker safety. The discussion focuses on the annual NASSCO Fly-In event, where industry leaders meet with lawmakers to educate them about underground infrastructure and the safety concerns facing workers. Chris explains how collaboration between industry professionals and policymakers can lead to safer regulations and better protection for workers across the country.

Dennis Pivin sits down with Joanne Carroll to discuss the safety challenges faced by inspectors working in the underground infrastructure industry. From jobsite hazards to confined space entry and field conditions, inspectors must remain vigilant while navigating active construction zones and municipal systems. Joanne shares insights on training, situational awareness, and the role inspectors play in helping ensure safe operations across sewer rehabilitation and inspection projects.

Dennis Pivin welcomes Brendan Doyle to explore the unique safety challenges involved in sewer lateral inspection and rehabilitation. Working in tight spaces, residential environments, and aging infrastructure presents risks that require careful planning and training. Brendan shares best practices for identifying hazards, protecting crews, and ensuring safe operations while performing sewer lateral work. The discussion focuses on practical field strategies that contractors can use to reduce risk while maintaining productivity.

Dennis Pivin and Tad Powell examine a tragic confined space incident in Alabama that resulted in multiple worker fatalities. Using the case as a learning opportunity, the conversation explores what went wrong, the OSHA investigation that followed, and the critical lessons the industry must take away. Tad explains why confined space procedures, atmospheric monitoring, and proper rescue planning are essential to preventing similar incidents in the future.

Dennis Pivin sits down with industry veteran David Hamberlin to discuss OSHA’s Top 10 most cited safety violations and how they specifically apply to underground infrastructure work. Drawing from decades of field experience, David explains how issues like fall protection, equipment guarding, and confined space procedures translate to sewer inspection and rehabilitation crews. The conversation highlights the importance of proper training, equipment inspection, and individual accountability to ensure workers return home safely at the end of every shift.

Joe Schotthoefer  takes listeners through the evolution of safety in the Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) industry, examining how standards, training, and technology have progressed over decades. The episode highlights key lessons learned, CIPP milestones, and best practices that transformed CIPP from an experimental process into a safety-driven cornerstone of underground infrastructure rehabilitation.

Dennis Pivin hosts Harry Miller of SAK Construction to explore what makes confined space safety programs successful. They break down five critical components—air monitoring, ventilation, permits, harnesses, and retrieval systems—and discuss how hands-on training builds muscle memory and accountability. Harry shares real-world insights on compliance, culture, and continuous improvement that keep underground workers protected every day.

In this episode, Dennis Pivin welcomes Ladd Gould, National Strategic Customer Manager at Sunbelt Rentals, to unpack the complexities of bypass installation safety. From loading and off-loading HDPE pipe to crane operations and pump setup, they detail potential hazards and how to control them. Ladd explains how modern job-site planning, PPE standards, and “take-ten” safety pauses are changing the way bypass projects are executed.

Dennis Pivin is joined by Tim Matheson, Technical Director at BLD Services, for a deep dive into plant safety and OSHA’s Voluntary Protection Program (VPP). Tim shares lessons from 36 years in CIPP manufacturing, including programs like “stretch and flex,” fit-for-duty assessments, and preventive safety engineering. The episode highlights how strong documentation, employee involvement, and management commitment create lasting safety cultures in industrial settings.