Customer
Oncor
Highlights
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Incident Contained, but Behaviorally Significant -
Spotter Role Redefined as Critical Line-of-Fire Control -
Training Tool for Subcontractor and Utility Field Teams
Reinforcing Spotter Discipline in Energized Substation Work
The Challenge
While performing routine work in an energized substation, a contractor operating a skid steer with a designated spotter accidentally struck a yard light. While the impact itself caused minimal damage, the incident occurred within a live, high-voltage environment—a context in which even minor missteps can escalate quickly into safety violations or operational disruptions.
The deeper concern wasn’t just the collision—it was the behavioral issue: the spotter role, though present, was not taken seriously, reflecting a broader pattern where spotters are viewed as “just a formality” rather than a critical safety control.
The Solution
- The incident was escalated and reviewed to reinforce expectations with the contractor.
- Supervisors emphasized that spotters must be active, engaged, and treated as a line-of-fire control, especially in energized environments.
- Field teams were reminded that working near energized infrastructure requires heightened discipline, regardless of task complexity.
- The incident was documented and shared internally as a near miss with potential for serious escalation.
Key Benefits
- Prevented escalation: The incident remained limited to property damage, but the response helped prevent future, more dangerous errors.
- Behavioral reinforcement: Addressed a common but dangerous mindset where spotters are underutilized or ignored.
- Substation-specific safety emphasis: Reinforced the idea that energized environments leave no room for informal execution.
- Improved contractor awareness: Encouraged subcontractor teams to view spotters as essential safety roles—not just box-checking.
The Results
- No personnel were injured, and the yard light was the only asset damaged.
- The incident is now used as a training moment for contractors and field teams across Oncor projects.
- It has helped promote a shift toward active spotter engagement in live substation zones.
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