On November 5 & 6, 2014, over 1,500 contractors from across the state gathered at the Boone County Fairgrounds in Columbia, MO to participate in the Underground Damage Prevention Summit. The event included 19 safety classes, field demonstrations of how to safely dig around power lines, a live burn as a result of hitting a gas pipeline, a trench collapse docudrama, as well as contests for locators and equipment operators … all for free! Law enforcement demonstrated what happens when alcohol is combined with equipment operation and there were vehicles on display which showed the results of traffic accidents. Missouri LICA hosted the equipment rodeo where contractors were able to test their skills and accuracy. We want to thank Mona Bledsoe, Sue Gilbert, and the Missouri Common Ground Alliance for letting us use the pictures below.
LICA member Greg Muenks is tested for his Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) during one of the demonstrations.
Greg Muenks, after several drinks, tries to operate the equipment simulator.
Even a large utility truck can be totaled when a driver loses concentration, even for just a few seconds.
MLICA member Ken Balkenbusch serves as a judge during the equipment rodeo.
MLICA member Larry LaFollette instructs one of the equipment rodeo participants.
An equipment rodeo participant tests his skills.
Waiting equipment rodeo participants watch one of the contestants.
A contestant negotiates the barrels during the equipment rodeo.
The "Bucket of Balls" game proved quite a challenge for contestants.
Sue Gilbert (left) and Mona Bledsoe work the registration table for the equipment rodeo.
An equipment rodeo contestant gets signed up to compete.
An equipment rodeo contestant tries his luck at the "Cover the Peg" game.
Attendees are reminded about the importance of safety.
Along with the safety classes, participants helped raise funds for a charity benefiting families of construction accidents with an auction.
Over 1,500 contractors took advantage of this remarkable event's free safety training,
Along with booths, there was heavy equipment on display.
Participants learn what can happen when a gas pipeline is hit, prior to going outside to see a live demonstration.
The 10-Hour OSHA course was one of 19 safety classes offered during the free event.
It was a beautiful day to spend some time outdoors learning about safety.
Participants were able to see, first-hand, what can happen when digging around buried pipelines.
Safety classes included instruction in digging around electric lines.
Along with the safety training, rodeos, and demonstrations, attendees were able to enjoy some great food!
Many equipment manufacturers displayed their equipment and answered contractors' questions.
MLICA Vice President Mont Gilbert (left) and President Chris Brauer man the LICA booth.
MLICA equipment rodeo judges (from left) Mont Gilbert, Jim Bledsoe, Chris Brauer, and Ken Balkenbusch review the game rules.
County police and an ambulance stand by during the trench collapse docudrama.
Participants look on as rescue workers retrieve the vicitims during the trench collapse docudrama.
