The Summer Safety Four and 2026 Jubilee Preview

Four essential summer safety reminders every driller should know

An emphasis on reminding drillers about routine safety measures especially during hot summer months is essential. In the latest version of The Driller Newscast, industry professional Brock Yordy introduces what he’s referring to as the “Summer Safety Four,” looking at four critical rig tips to consider.

There are many facets of the work that these tips would entail, in everything from trenching and excavation to dealing with air quality during extreme heat.

Also, the latest version of the Newscast preps what’s to expect around the upcoming South Atlantic Jubilee which kicks off on July 24. With essential technical sessions, hands-on rig demonstrations all buttoned up around a fun pirate theme, we get insight on the mission and what the key takeaways of this annual event will be.

The Driller Newscast - Weekly updates for professionals in geotechnical, geothermal, cathodic, water well and other sectors of drilling, along with safety tips and interviews

Episode 162 – The Driller Newscast

Read on for a more detailed recap of our discussion this week.

Key components of the “Summer Safety Four”

Trenching and Excavation: Mandating competent persons on-site, daily inspections, and proper shoring or sloping for trenches over five feet.

Extreme Heat: Utilizing the NIOSH OSHA heat index app and enforcing strict hydration, rest, and shade cycles.

Air Quality: Establishing workflow protocols based on local air quality index trackers and providing N95 or P100 respirators to combat wildfire smoke.

Volatile Atmospheres: Requiring continuous atmospheric monitoring with five-gas meters and personal monitors to safely handle sudden pressure changes.

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Kerith Gabriel is the digital strategy editor for The Driller.

Gabriel brings more than a decade of experience across digital, social and interactive storytelling to The Driller, covering social justice issues across a variety of topics. He has worked and created content for several consumer-centric publications, most notably the Philadelphia Inquirer, in addition to brand and B2B agency work. In his role with The Driller, Gabriel oversees strategic placement of content cross-platform and works with a vibrant community of contributors to produce captivating content and bring fresh perspectives to The Driller’s current and emerging readership.

Email: kgabriel@bnpmedia.com | Office: (248) 786-1241

Brock Yordy, Director of Industry Engagement for The Driller, is a third-generation driller and globally recognized subject matter expert who has written for The Driller since 2013. Driven by a passion for industry education and digital media, he anchors The Driller Newscast and hosts weekly podcasts for the trade. His technical authority is backed by decades of extreme fieldwork worldwide for organizations like Halliburton, SUEZ, and the U.S. Government. Dedicated to ensuring clean water for all and advancing equitable geothermal heating and cooling, Brock actively collaborates with states nationwide through The Developed Well Group and the Geothermal Drillers Association to shape policy, safety, and workforce training.

email: brock@thedriller.com | office: (269) 348-5156