NASSCO Safety Podcast

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.

In one of the most personal and vital episodes, Dennis Pivin talks with Harry Miller, VP of  Safety & Labor Relations at SAK about confronting suicide in the construction industry. Together they address alarming statistics, the stigma surrounding mental health, and programs like 988 that save lives. The discussion emphasizes leadership responsibility, open communication, and creating a culture where workers feel safe to seek help.

Host Dennis Pivin explores the critical tools and technologies used to keep workers safe in confined spaces. Featuring Mark Gaines from Archview Services, the discussion covers air monitoring, harness systems, tripods, ventilation, and communication gear—illustrating how each component contributes to rescue readiness and compliance. Listeners gain valuable insights into selecting, inspecting, and maintaining life-saving equipment that protects crews in underground environments.

In this continuation of their resin discussion, Dennis Pivin welcomes back Kaleel Rahaim to explore emission control systems used in CIPP processes. Together they unpack technologies like carbon filtration, thermal oxidation, and wet scrubbers—explaining how each works to reduce styrene emissions. The episode highlights practical field solutions, system efficiencies, and environmental considerations for contractors managing air and water emissions during cured-in-place pipe installations.

Dennis Pivin discusses essential fall protection practices in the underground construction industry with leading safety professional Mark Gaines. The episode details harness types, anchor points, rescue systems, and training techniques that prevent accidents during manhole and tunnel entry. Listeners learn how consistent education, proper gear inspection, and regulatory awareness combine to make fall prevention a central pillar of infrastructure safety.

Host Dennis Pivin speaks with Kaleel Rahaim, Principal Engineer at CIPP Consulting and PhD candidate at Mississippi State, about the science behind cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) resin systems. They break down the chemistry of thermoset resins—polyester, vinyl ester, and epoxy—and explain why styrene is used, how alternatives are evolving, and what safety factors matter most. This conversation provides a clear, accessible look into the materials that shape modern trenchless infrastructure.

In this episode of the NASSCO Safety Podcast, Dennis Piven, CSP interviews Jerry Weimer about crucial trenching and excavation safety. They discuss the importance of safe work practice and being aware of trench collapse hazards. Jerry shares his 40 years of experience and offers practical tips for excavation safety and general safety awareness.

Dennis hosts a roundtable with Max Gowdy, Tad Powell, P.E. and Eric Haenlein, P.E. to explore what it really takes to build a strong safety culture. The panelists share stories from their diverse backgrounds—engineering, construction, and management—and discuss themes like peer accountability, leadership by example, and creating psychological safety for workers to speak up. From trench safety to team trust, they reflect on the evolution of industry standards and how repetition, communication, and ownership drive safety success.

Dennis Pivin, CSP interviews Nick Spano of Essential Equipment Company about one of the most injury-prone tools in underground infrastructure: the sewer jetter. Drawing from over 15 years in the industry, Nick breaks down how to safely operate jetters—from jobsite pre-checks to high-pressure hose handling. The episode covers critical hazards like surge during braking, pinch points, and hose failure, along with proper PPE and operator training. This is a must-listen for anyone using jetters on job sites. Nick’s practical advice underscores that safety starts with asking the right questions and building strong habits from day one.

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Dennis Pivin sits down with Chris Garrett, P.E., National Practice Leader at Brown and Caldwell and NASSCO Technical Director, to discuss the groundbreaking Styrene Treatability Study. They walk through the multi-phase research assessing how styrene from cure water impacts wastewater treatment processes. From historical context to real-world testing, Dennis and Chris explain how science-based data now guides safety standards, treatment plant coordination, and informed decision-making in POTW operations.

Dennis Pivin and Jerry Weir tackle the critical but often overlooked issue of hydration on the job site. Jerry, a veteran of field operations and safety consulting, outlines the signs of heat exhaustion and stroke, as well as the causes—from hot weather to energy drinks and poor diet. They share strategies for prevention, including electrolyte-based hydration, smart clothing choices, and cooling breaks. The episode reinforces that staying hydrated isn’t just about comfort—it’s a life-saving part of safety culture. 

Dennis reconnects with Freddy Garcia to dive into what makes an effective safety training program. They break down the balance between computer-based modules and hands-on field training, discuss OSHA requirements, and share strategies for onboarding and annual refreshers. Freddy explains how Puris supports safety professional development and fosters team accountability. The episode emphasizes the importance of adapting training to real-world operations, engaging new hires early, and ensuring safety professionals continue to grow with certifications and continuing education. 

Dennis Pivin and Dr. Mark Knight discuss the environmental and safety concerns surrounding styrene discharge during CIPP lining of culverts. They examine past fish kill incidents and explain how hot water—not styrene—was the true culprit. The episode offers actionable best practices for contractors, including water temperature controls, clean site protocols, and proper curing. Mark also breaks down the chemistry of different resin types and the importance of understanding what’s actually being released—and how to safely manage it. 

In this episode, Dennis Pivin talks with Dr. Mark Knight from the University of Waterloo about photoionization detectors (PIDs) and their role in monitoring styrene levels during cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) installations. They revisit a landmark study on styrene migration in laterals and explain how PIDs should be properly calibrated and interpreted. The discussion clarifies common misconceptions about VOC readings and highlights the importance of understanding your instrument and its limits when assessing exposure risks on job sites. 

Dennis sits down with Robert Carpenter, Editor-in-Chief of Underground Infrastructure Magazine, to discuss the evolution of safety in trenchless industries. Robert reflects on the past 30 years of progress, from high accident rates in the 1990s to today’s culture of daily toolbox talks and empowered safety leadership. The conversation covers confined space hazards, trench cave-ins, and NASCO’s role in advancing safety through training modules. Robert also shares personal stories and critical lessons learned that help guide new professionals in staying safe on the job. 

Dennis Pivin interviews Larry Brown, CEO of Aries Industries, to explore how manufacturing safety starts with leadership. Larry outlines Aries' safety-first approach—from building security to production floor protocols and customer-facing equipment design. He shares how safety committees, employee feedback, and personal accountability help prevent incidents. With a focus on culture and continuous improvement, the episode offers practical tips on behavior-based safety, visitor protocols, equipment grounding, and ergonomic design—all aimed at protecting workers and customers alike. 

Host Dennis Pivin talks with trenchless technologies veteran Chris Macey about incorporating safety into engineering design and implementation. Chris shares real-world examples—including major pipeline projects in Canada—where early safety planning helped mitigate serious risks. The episode stresses the importance of collaboration between engineers and safety professionals, ensuring that design decisions prioritize constructability and worker protection. Chris also discusses confined space hazards and emergency preparedness, offering insights for both new and experienced engineers. 

Dennis Pivin speaks with Freddy Garcia from Puris about the vital role of safety culture and behavior-based safety. They explore how strong leadership, positive reinforcement, and consistent training shape employee behaviors and drive safe practices. Freddy shares how Puris integrates safety from top leadership to field crews, avoiding the "safety cop" mentality by focusing on integrity and accountability. The episode emphasizes empowering teams through observation programs and continuous engagement, making safety a shared responsibility across the organization. 

Welcome to the NASSCO Safety Podcast—where experience meets prevention. Host Dennis Pivin talks with industry pros about real risks, smart practices, and how to get everyone home safe. From wearing proper PPE to driving back safely from the job site and everything in-between. This podcast is all about protecting workers because safety isn’t optional. It’s essential.