NECA Safety Round Up

#41. Brandon Meade

Fri, 12 Jun 2026 16:00:00 -0400

Join Mike and Wes as they have a discussion with a safety professional from New River Electric, and NECA Safety Task Force member, Brandon Meade, as he talks about initiatives such as Virginia's Department of Labor and Industry "What If" program and recaps the events at the 2026 NSPC in Atlanta, an event that keeps getting better each and every year.

Brandon Meade is the Director of Environmental, Health and Safety at New River Electrical Corp. in Cloverdale, Va.

#40. Kyle Krueger

Fri, 10 Apr 2026 06:00:00 -0400

Please join Wes Wheeler and his guest this month, Kyle Krueger, NECA Executive Directors of Codes and Standards as we discuss NECA's participation with the National Electrical Code and NFPA in the 125 years NECA has been around. This relationship and collaboration has been instrumental in ensuring safe electrical installations. Now with the 2026 edition of the National Electrical Code, the upcoming 2027 edition of NFPA 70E, Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace and recent changes in NFPA 70B from a recommended practice to now a consensus standard, NECA is involved in many standard development organizations as well as developer of the NECA NEIS Standards that compliment the NEC, the National Electrical Contractors Association is involved where standards and regulations are being developed and updated.

#39 Sonya Bohmann

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0400

The latest NECA Safety Roundup features Mike Starner and Wes Wheeler with special guest Sonya Bohmann, Executive Director of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP), for a timely conversation on mental health, suicide prevention, and building a culture of care in construction. They spotlight CIASP tools like construction-focused toolbox talks, a safe messaging guide, and a new “warm handoff” crisis plan, and preview Sonya’s four-hour pre-conference workshop at the 2026 NECA Safety Professionals Conference in Atlanta designed to give attendees practical, actionable strategies they can take back to their workforce.

#38: Dan Pollock

Fri, 13 Feb 2026 18:00:00 -0500

NECA’s Wes Wheeler and Mike Starner sit down with Dan Pollock, Director of Safety and Operations for the NE Line Chapter, to talk chapter-level safety leadership, simplifying protective grounding and EPZ concepts, and why “safety is not a secret” when mentoring the next generation of linemen.

They also explore human performance, “failing safely,” and new mental health initiatives aimed at supporting lineworkers and contractors in the Northeast and beyond.

#37: Wes Wheeler and Mike Starner

Fri, 09 Jan 2026 18:00:00 -0500

NECA’s latest Safety Roundup podcast with Wes Wheeler and Mike Starner looks back at a busy 2025 and sets the stage for major safety, mental health, and industry initiatives in 2026, with a strong emphasis on leadership, collaboration, and innovation across the electrical construction industry.

#36: Dave Carl

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 14:00:00 -0500

In this episode of NECA Safety Round Up, Mike and Wes speak with Dave Carl, the developer of the original Safety Meeting App! In 2014, Safety Meeting App released a NECA Branded version available to all NECA Members and now almost 12 years later, it is still going strong and continues to add new features and functionality to better assist our NECA Safety Professionals in managing safety for their companies. Listen to what's new and what is coming in this edition of NECA Safety Round Up Podcast!

#35: Barry Miller

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 14:00:00 -0500

In this edition of the NECA Safety Round Up Podcast, Wes Wheeler discusses the research and new technologies around the new construction helmets available today with Barry Miller, PhD., MBA, Director of Outreach and Business Development, Virgina Tech Helmet Lab. By researching the various manufacturers in the market today, they developed tests to see how each brand responded to various helmet impacts and now has released those findings for industry to review. For more information on the research and testing, visit the Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings pages on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/virginia-tech-helmet-ratings/posts/?feedView=all

Virginia Tech Helmet Ratings - Construction helmets have been tested to evaluate their ability to reduce concussion and skull fracture risk in severe but survivable falls. https://www.helmet.beam.vt.edu/construction-helmet-ratings.html

For more information, please reach out to Barry Miller at Bmiller21@vt.edu

#34: Doug Fletcher

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 15:00:00 -0400

The latest NECA Safety Roundup podcast, hosted by NECA’s Executive Director of Safety Wes Wheeler and Executive Director of Outside Line Safety Mike Starner, features special guest Doug Fletcher—an accomplished executive with over 30 years of experience in energy and industrial construction. Doug, currently EVP and COO at Allegiant Group Holdings, LLC, shares his insights on workforce leadership, project management, and safety innovation, offering practical strategies and real-world lessons for electrical contractors and utility professionals.

#33: Heidi Meyer Bremer

Fri, 12 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

The latest NECA Safety Roundup podcast delivers an inspiring and action-packed conversation as NECA’s Safety Team, Wes Wheeler and Mike Starner, sit down with industry powerhouse Heidi Meyer-Bremer, Director of HSE at Michels Corporation. This episode dives into Heidi’s dynamic career path, her influential safety leadership, and her critical role as Chair of the ET&D Partnership Steering Committee. Listeners will get inside stories of major safety milestones, hear how groundbreaking training programs are elevating the entire electrical construction industry, and discover the collaborative energy that’s driving serious injury and fatality numbers down. Don’t miss this insightful, fast-paced episode filled with expert tips, real-world lessons, and a passion for keeping every worker safe on the job!

#32: Katie McCormick

Thu, 07 Aug 2025 10:00:00 -0400

In this month's NECA Safety Round Up Podcast, Mike and Wes are joined by NECA's very own, Katie McCormick, Executive Director of Meetings and Events to discuss this year's NECA Show in Chicago. With so many safety offerings, the Safety Roundtable, education on NEC and upcoming changes, and the addition of a new outside line village on the show floor dedicated to construction and utility workers in our electrical industry, there is something for everyone at NECA 2025! Plan now to be a part of the NECA Show in Chicago, you don't want to miss it! Spoiler alert! If you just want to check-out the latest innovations in tech and safety, Katie will let us know how to gain access to the NECA Show floor to see what is new and what is coming for electricians and electrical contractors. Don't miss this episode of the NECA Safety Round Up Podcast!

#31: Gabriel Atencio

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 10:00:00 -0400

Gabriel Atencio, CHST, CSP, STSC, a longtime ASSP member and current Chair of the ASSP Construction Specialty Practice, joins Mike and Wesley to discuss member involvement in safety organizations and the benefits of networking within these communities. As an EH&S Solutions Leader, he has been involved with providing guidance to many employers and safety personnel in our industry. In addition, since recording this program, ASSP recognized Gabriel with an ASSP Certificate of Appreciation for his dedicated work. Congratulations Gabriel! Please enjoy and learn more from our conversation this month on the NECA Safety Round Up!

#30: Dylon Koch

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 11:00:00 -0400

Join Mike Starner and Wes Wheeler on the NECA Safety Roundup Podcast as they discuss summer heat stress management with Dylon Koch from Working Athlete. Learn practical strategies for recognizing heat stress, proper hydration practices, and preventing heat-related workplace incidents. Stay informed to keep your teams safe and healthy this summer!

#29: NECA Safety Spotlight: Spring Actions & Fall Futures”

Fri, 09 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Get ready for an action‑packed episode as Mike Starner and Wes Wheeler dive into NECA’s latest safety highlights—from rallying behind Work Zone Awareness Week and Construction Safety Week to Wes’s upcoming mission in Boston for NECA Boston Safety Day. We’ll gear up for the NECA Safety Professionals Conference and give you a sneak peek at our fall lineup, including The Utility Expo and the NECA Convention. Tune in for all the energy and insider updates!

#28: Jason Lannelli and Donnie Farmer

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 13:00:00 -0400

In our latest NECA Safety Roundup Podcast, Mike Starner and Wes Wheeler explore the Veterans Electrical Entry Program (VEEP), an initiative that connects veterans to the electrical industry. Guests Jason Iannelli and Donnie Farmer share insights on how VEEP leverages military experience through intensive training, mentorship, and strong industry partnerships, empowering veterans to transition smoothly into rewarding, safety-focused careers.

#27: Jason Wolfe and Bradley Caudwell

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 11:00:00 -0400

Please join Mike and Wes as they welcome NECA representatives for the NFPA 70E Technical Committee, Jason Wolfe and Bradley Caudwell. They will discuss the recent proposed changes and updates from the 70E first draft meetings held last year and talk about the upcoming second draft meeting to be held over the summer. The first draft report for the next NFPA 70E is now available at www.nfpa.org/70E and the comment period is open for you to provide input on these proposed changes. After you navigate to that page, click on the next edition tab to see the proposed language and changes for 2027. Don’t be a bystander, get involved in the process and provide your voice, you may just have a great suggestion for the future.

#26: George Arhos and Virgil Melton

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 12:00:00 -0500

In the latest episode of the NECA Safety Roundup Podcast, hosts Mike Starner and Wes Wheeler are joined by George Arhos (IBEW) and Virgil Melton (Electrical Training Alliance) to discuss the growing demand for qualified medium-voltage cable splicers. Learn how advanced training programs and certifications like the NCSCB are raising the bar for safety, quality, and reliability in the electrical industry. Don’t miss this insightful conversation on why investing in competency is critical for contractors, customers, and the workforce!

#25: Spanish Mental Health Bonus Episode

Fri, 24 Jan 2025 13:00:00 -0500

"Please join NECA, and member company Alterman Electric as their Spanish safety professionals discuss Mental Health in the Spanish Community and Workforce. It is an important topic that affects everyone in Construction. Please share this message with all workers who may speak Spanish as a primary language. And Remember, "It's Okay to Not Be Okay," Reach out and call 988 if you need assistance."

#24: Scott Margolin

Fri, 10 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Join Wes and Mike as they invite Scott Margolin, an industry expert on Arc Flash Garments and protection for workers around electrical hazards. Scott was a featured Keynote for the NECA Safety Professionals Conference, NSPC, in 2016 and works with many others in the testing and development of Arc Rated Garments and has recently worked closely with OSHA through the organization "Partnership for Electrical Safety" developing guidance. His insight into the comparison of training for hazardous hobbies and training for electrical hazards shows how proper preparation will keep you safe and alive!
https://www.osha.gov/electrical/flash-hazards; https://tyndaleusa.com/fr-safety-resources/

#23: 2024 San Diego Convention

Fri, 13 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Please join Mike Starner and Wes Wheeler for this episode of the NECA Safety Round Up. Recorded at the 2024 NECA Show in San Diego, they discuss preparing for safety at the show, the NECA Safety Roundtable Discussion and many of the topics that were presented by NECA Safety. There were also discussions about the NECA Safety Professionals Conference as well as the NECA Safety Professionals Institute. This is a great way to hear all that NECA Safety has delivered and upcoming in 2025! Stay Safe!

#22: Craig Clark

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

"What's Your Plan, for and after retirement." Listen to real-world preparations for starting retirement. No, not the financial plan, your activity plan. We all know that staying active is key to staying healthy and engaged. Craig's advice is for everyone, from those entering the trade to those entering retirement as we speak.

Special Episode: A Spanish discussion on Heat Hazards and Preparing to work in Hot Environments!

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Please join NECA and one of our member company’s safety professionals discussing the dangers of heat for our Spanish speaking workers in the construction industry. Heat affects everyone and we anted to provide a specific message to this community, in their own language, on the symptoms, precautions and details in understanding OSHA’s new proposed rulemaking on Heat Regulations. Jon Atteberry, VP of Safety for Alterman had his team prepare this message for the NECA Safety Round Up and NECA encourages you to share this video podcast with any and all Hispanic workers that could benefit from this discussion.

#21: Tom Domitrovitch

Fri, 11 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Join Wes Wheeler and Tom Domitrovitch as they have a candid conversation on NEMA, NFPA 70E, Electrical Safety innovations and industry trends. This was featured during Arc Week Presentations but presented here to ensure all NECA Safety Round Up viewers and listeners have an opportunity to hear this important message.

#20: Neil Tolson

Fri, 13 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Neil Tolson, Executive Director of the Electrical Industry Certifications Association (EICA) sits down with Mike and Wes to discuss how his organization is tackling unique challenges faced by the electrical industry. Cranes are a critically important tool in electrical construction but requirements around competency, qualifications, and certifications can be a lot to understand. Neil lays out what you need to know about operator certification, how the organization came to be, and what they are working on next.

#19: Mike Gillette

Fri, 09 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Join Mike Starner and Wesley Wheeler as they welcome Mike Gillette from NFPA to join them in this month’s Safety Round up Podcast. The relationship that NECA has with NFPA is very important. NECA participates on Technical Committees for many NFPA Standards including NFPA 70 – The National Electrical Code, NFPA 70E The Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace and NFPA 70B – The Standard for Electrical Equipment Maintenance. While there are also many other standards that NECA has representation on, such as fire alarm and healthcare, working together, NECA and NFPA can ensure that installation, safety and maintenance issues are address to provide employee and employer protections.

#18: Stephanie Adamec and Emily Huesman

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Please join us for this month's episode of the NECA Safety Round Up where we welcome Stephanie Adamec, NECA Executive Director of Education, and Emily Huesman, Associate Director for Education Development for NECA as we kick off the registration of the 2025 NECA Safety Professionals Institute, a one of a kind, educational program for up and coming safety professionals to learn how to manage day to day, their company safety management system and programs related to risk management. Hear about the success of the 2024 NSPI and find out if you qualify to attend the 2025 program in Washington DC, we look forward to having you join us.

#17: Alex Kopp and Justin Carndol, Opioid Overdose

Mon, 17 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0400

This month, Mike and Wes welcome Alex Kopp from The Association of Union Constructors and Justin Crandol, from the Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors National Association about the recent White House initiative to provide Naloxone/NARCAN training to workers in the construction industry and how their associations are also addressing this important issue with programs across the country. Jointly, all associations are recommending that this life saving medication be available on all worksites and that all workers are trained in recognizing the signs and symptoms of Opioid Overdose and how to use Naloxone to treat overdose victims. NECA looks forward to you joining Mike, Wes and their guests for this timely conversation.

#16: Construction Safety Week | Safety Alliance Directors

Wed, 01 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

May is the month we celebrate Construction Safety Week, the OSHA Stand Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, Electrical Safety Month and the NECA Safety Professionals Conference. This NECA Safety Round Up episode will feature a timely discussion around fall prevention as Alex Kopp, Safety Director with TAUC and Justin Crandol, Safety Director with SMACNA, join Mike Starner and Wes Wheeler in the studio and discuss this important topic. This year, NECA is signed on to be a Premier Partner with OSHA and their fall prevention initiatives as well as sponsoring many member and industry stand downs across the country. Come learn why Fall Protection is so important and why fall protection training should be on everyone's mind.

#15: Justin Azbill

Fri, 12 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Falls have been recognized as a leading cause of death and injury in construction. Traumatic Brain Injuries or TBIs account for 25% of all construction fatalities and many are associated with falls. Justin Azbill, Milwaukee Tool's National EHS Director joins NECA's Wes Wheeler and Mike Starner to discuss statistics, innovation, and best practices that can help keep your workers stay safe and healthy.

#14: Matt Compher

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 11:00:00 -0400

Managing the safety of North America's largest craft workforce is a tall order, thankfully Quanta Services has just the man for the job. Matt Compher, Sr. Vice President, S.H.E. joins NECA's Wes Wheeler and Mike Starner to discuss how Quanta is looking at safety differently by engaging with their employees and developing innovative concepts that result in the Capacity to fail safely."

#13: OSHA Directors

Fri, 09 Feb 2024 14:00:00 -0500

"Join Wes Wheeler and Mike Starner from NECA as they welcome Scott Ketcham, Director, and Tim Irving, Assistant Director from OSHA Directorate of Construction into the NECA office to talk about OSHA initiatives, emphasis programs and the state of safety in our construction industry. From Proper Fit for PPE for all workers, Heat regulations and the industry changes that are coming from transitioning from Hardhats to Helmets, it was great discussion that was supportive, enlightening and gave of all a glimpse of what Scott and Tim like to do in their spare time. Please join us for this edition of the NECA Safety Roundup Podcast."

#12: Keith Wheeler & Sharon Lipinski

Fri, 26 Jan 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Wes Wheeler, the NECA Executive Director of Safety, Keith Wheeler, the president of HR Resources of the Carolinas, and Sharon Lipinski, the CEO of Habit Mastery Consulting, will co-present their research findings into how senior leaders impact the effectiveness of an organization’s safety program and key measures for gauging the level of senior leader buy-in. We’ll also share real-world stories on how safety professionals have increased executive buy-in to create a more successful safety program.

#11: Jennifer McNelly

Mon, 08 Jan 2024 12:00:00 -0500

#10: Palmer Hickman

Fri, 08 Dec 2023 13:00:00 -0500

OSHA Outreach Training Program provides awareness training for entry level workers new to the job. Over the years, this program is now being recognized as "Task-based Safety Training" by many employers, workers, and pre-qualification companies which is beyond OSHA's initial intent. Join Mike Starner and myself as we welcome Palmer Hickman with the Electrical Training Alliance to discuss proper training in the construction industries.

#9: Incident Investigations

Fri, 10 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Join Mike Starner and Wes Wheeler from NECA as they follow up their last podcast discussion on incident response with this month’s topic of how to conduct proper incident investigations. Understanding that the goal is to determine what root causes and contributing factors attributed to the incident, and not who should be blamed, but instead, help everyone to learn from and hopefully prevent similar occurrences in the future.

#8: Incident Response

Fri, 13 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

"How prepared are you for an effective incident response? Learn how to define your organization's response to an unexpected event so when it occurs, not if, you are ready. NECA's Wes Wheeler and Mike Starner discuss best practices for incident response that ensure the right care is provided and the right information is gathered."

#7: Kevin Moran

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 12:00:00 -0400

NECA's Wes Wheeler and Mike Starner speak with Chapter Executive at American Line Builders, Kevin Moran, about challenges faced by safety professionals trying to implement innovative ideas that may or may not conflict with collective bargaining agreements.

#6: David McPeak

Mon, 14 Aug 2023 15:00:00 -0400

Join NECA's Safety Directors, Wes Wheeler and Mike Starner as they discuss safety leadership with NSPC presenter and author, David McPeak

#5: NSPI Discussion with Emily Huesman

Fri, 14 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400

"NECA has developed the NECA Safety Professionals Institute to address the need for comprehensive safety training in the electrical industry for its member employers and their employees.

The NECA Safety Professionals Institute will equip participants with essential knowledge and skills to ensure workplace safety and prevent incidents, accidents, injuries, and fatalities. By investing in this training, NECA contractors, from both the Outline Line, and Inside Electrical Industries, can prioritize workplace safety and protect their employees, contributing to long-term success. Join Wes, Mike and Emily as they discuss some key tenets of this program in today's Safety Round Up Podcast."

#4: Job Briefings

Fri, 09 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Job Briefings, JSAs, JHAs and Stop Work Authority are important for all projects, both in inside electrical work as well as outside line and utility construction and maintenance. Taking the time to prepare all workers for the tasks involved and ensuring everyone is qualified to perform those tasks is the subject of our conversation today. Whether it is NFPA 70E or 1910.269/1926 Subpart V, following the correct steps and conducting a proper Job Briefing, will remind all workers to prepare for all of the hazards they may face. For more information following this Safety Round Up Podcast, check out a video created on this topic from NECA at https://www.necanet.org/programs/safety/safety-videos-resources .

#3: Keith Wheeler | HR and Safety

Fri, 12 May 2023 09:00:00 -0400

Safety Professionals have many roles in protecting the company and many times, a smaller company may have one person responsible for both Safety and HR. Sometimes it’s the HR Professional managing safety and in others, the Safety Professional is tasked to handle HR issues when they surface. Today’s podcast will look at the relationship between HR and Safety and how they are closely related. Even when they are managed separately, they still must be in sync together to address many of the risk management issues affecting the company.

#2: NECA Safety Leadership

Fri, 14 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

"Please join Mike Starner and Wes Wheeler from NECA for the second NECA Safety Round UP podcast where they discuss what is Safety Leadership and who are our most valuable safety leaders on the jobs today. From understanding the importance and integrity of leading by example to demonstrating the keys tenets of leadership, spend a few moments to help stimulate your conversations with co-workers, apprentices and supervisors, you may be the very safety leader they are talking about."

#1: Introduction to NECA Safety, Inside and Outside

Fri, 10 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Discover how NECA member contractors can benefit from NECA Safety and NECA Outside Line Safety resources. Learn from Executive Directors Mike Starner and Wes Wheeler about electrical construction assistance the Association provides in all areas from chapter and contractor support to outreach and regulatory aid.