Columbus City Utilities sent two employees to the Midwest Damage Prevention Training Conference hosted by Indiana 811 in French Lick, Indiana on November 12 – 14. Those attending were Ashley Getz, Utilities Associate Director of Engineering and Kevin Blair, Utilities Engineering Supervisor.
The annual conference enlists renowned safety speakers and industry subject matter experts to discuss the importance of damage prevention and safety procedures when working near underground utilities.
Kevin was selected as one of the speakers at the conference. Highlights of his presentation included:
- How Columbus City Utilities successfully navigated a complex large scale, two to three year fiber-to-home project that covered 100% of the city with limited resources.
- Discussed the importance of working closely with engineering and consulting firms as well as fostering strong relationships with the out-of-state and in-state boring contractors.
- Implementation of white lining practices to make utilities more efficient in protecting the rate payers and their infrastructure.
- Presented IN811 laws and how the addition of photos and construction plans helps with underground damage prevention.