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New Year, Same Mission: Safety First at the 811 Contractor's Breakfast!!

sherinowlan

The new year started with the annual Contractor's Breakfast mid-January. NUCA of Eastern Washington/North Idaho once again joined forces with local Utility Councils-IEUCC and KCUC to help promote their event and encourage participation from their membership. This event, which has become a staple in the community, serves as a crucial platform for promoting safe digging practices and raising awareness about the importance of calling 811 before commencing any excavation work. With an impressive turnout of over 200 attendees, the breakfast was a resounding success, showcasing the strong commitment of the industry to safety and collaboration. The morning commenced with opening remarks delivered by representatives from the IEUCC and KCUC, who set a positive tone for the event. Their welcoming speeches highlighted the significance of the gathering, emphasizing the vital role that utility contractors play in maintaining infrastructure integrity and ensuring public safety.

The Blind Truth Uncovered...Eric Giguere's True Story
The Blind Truth Uncovered...Eric Giguere's True Story

Attendees were treated to an inspiring and harrowing presentation titled "The Blind Truth Uncovered: Eric Giguere's True Story." In this compelling video, Eric Giguere recounts his deeply personal and life-altering experience of being buried alive while working on a construction site. The incident occurred when he and his crew were engaged in the critical task of laying pipe in a trench. During this process, an unexpected collapse occurred, leading to Eric being trapped beneath the earth, an experience that was as terrifying as it was transformative. Eric's story is not just a recounting of a traumatic event; it serves a greater purpose. Through his powerful testimony, he aims to raise awareness about the importance of safety protocols in the construction industry and the dire consequences that can arise from neglecting these essential practices. His presentation serves as a call to action for both employers and employees to prioritize safety in all aspects of their work.

Firefighter's perspective...
Firefighter's perspective...

In addition to Eric's compelling story, Darrel Moss from Avista took the stage to deliver an informative presentation focused on the critical issues surrounding Facility Damage and 3rd Party claims. His discussion highlighted the complexities involved in managing and mitigating damage to infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of communication and collaboration among stakeholders to prevent costly repairs and ensure safety. Additionally, there was a thought-provoking presentation from the Firefighter's perspective on the topic of Excavation Damage, which shed light on what firefighters face when responding to incidents where excavation work has led to unforeseen hazards. Following that, the audience was treated to an engaging presentation from Frank Plankton, who brought a unique viewpoint to the event. To wrap up the series of presentations, NUCA EWNI's executive director Sheri Nowlan took the floor, energizing the crowd with her enthusiasm for upcoming and highly anticipated Dozer Day, scheduled for May 3rd and 4th. Dozer Day promises to be an exciting opportunity for community engagement and education about the construction industry. Sheri's emphasis on the importance of this event in fostering relationships and promoting workforce development in the construction industry, left everyone looking forward to participating in Dozer Day.


Dozer Day May 3rd & 4th 2025
Dozer Day May 3rd & 4th 2025

The breakfast not only provided a delicious meal but also facilitated networking opportunities, allowing contractors to connect with peers, share experiences, and discuss best practices in the field. Overall, this year's event reinforced the importance of the 811 initiative and the ongoing partnership between contractors and local utility councils in promoting safe excavation practices across the region.

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Utility Contractor Trade Association

NUCA Eastern Washington

and North Idaho

Sheri Nowlan

Executive Director

(509) 904-0652

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