Kingston Hydro, operated by Utilities Kingston, continues to strengthen public electrical safety by focusing on practical, hands‑on education with a goal to reduce electrical incidents.
The utility saw that contractors who work near power lines and underground equipment face higher safety risks, especially during digging and construction. Even though safety rules are in place, incidents and near misses showed that people needed clearer and more practical safety training.
To address this, Kingston Hydro launched its Safety Days initiative to reduce electrical incidents. The initiative was designed to help people understand how to work safely around overhead and underground power equipment. The program focuses on hands on safety training rather than simply listening to safety messages.
In 2025, Kingston Hydro partnered with organizations that co-ordinate events targeting contractors, which increased the program’s reach and added no cost to the attendees.
Collaborators include:
- Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development
- Ontario One Call
- Enbridge
- Dig Safe
- Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA)
- Ontario Regional Common Ground
- Alliance (ORCGA)
- City of Kingston
Safety Days used real examples, hands on demonstrations, and clear guidance to help people make safer choices on the job. Kingston Hydro also reinforced safety expectations through regular training and approval processes, rather than relying on one time messages.
In 2025, more than 500 people from 102 companies across Ontario attended Safety Days events, . Kingston Hydro also ran additional training sessions and reviewed close to 100 contractor safety programs to make sure they met electrical safety requirements.
By making electrical safety part of everyday operations and working closely with industry partners, Kingston Hydro built a program that delivers long‑term value. Safety Days helps people better understand electrical risks, improve how they work safely, and protect workers, equipment, and the community. Kingston Hydro continues to share what it has learned and support stronger public electrical safety across Ontario.