As summer temperatures rise, so do the risks of heat illness for the hardworking technicians and construction crews who spend their days outdoors. With the exposure to high heat and physically demanding tasks, they face serious threats from heat stress and heat stroke. These conditions can escalate quickly without proper precautions.  

Celerity is committed to raising awareness about the dangers of working in extreme heat and stressing the importance of preventative measures to protect our workers.  

Heatstroke 

The Mayo Clinic described heatstroke as, “a condition caused by the body overheating. This usually happens because of exposure to high temperatures or physical activity in high temperatures for too long.” 

Symptoms of Heatstroke:  

• A change in mental state of behavior like confusion, agitation, or slurred speech.  
• Change in sweating pattern: skin may be hot and dry or profusely sweating. 
• Nausea and vomiting may occur. The skin may become flushed, and breathing can become rapid and shallow. 

Heat Exhaustion 

A condition of fatigue and weakness, usually with a normal body temperature, stems from prolonged exposure to heat. 

Symptoms of Heat Exhaustion:  

• The individual may be dizzy or faint and have blurred vision.  
• The skin might be cool or moist with goosebumps.  

Heat Illness Prevention

Preventing heat-related injuries starts with awareness and action. OSHA states, “Most outdoor fatalities, 50% to 70%, occur in the first few days of working in warm or hot environments because the body needs to build a tolerance to the heat gradually over time.” That is why it is important to take proactive steps, especially during the initial days of heat exposure.  

Drink Water: Drink water every 15 minutes when working in hot conditions. Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink water. We have provided hydration powder packets for our employees to use. We strongly encourage using electrolyte beverages throughout the day to replenish what it loses through sweat. Do not drink alcohol and avoid caffeine, as these can contribute to heat stress.  

Take Breaks: Take frequent rest breaks in shaded, cooled, or air-conditioned areas. Pacing yourself and giving your body time to recover is especially important when working in heat or when you are not yet acclimated. 

Speak Up: Finally, if you see a co-worker with symptoms of heat exhaustion, speak up. If you see a co-worker with symptoms of heat stroke, seek medical attention immediately. Heat stroke is a medical emergency and can be fatal if not treated quickly.  

QUAKERTOWN, Pennsylvania, June 9, 2025 – Celerity’s splicing team gathered in the company’s training area for a hands-on OPGW Coil Lifting Training session that focused on field safety and operation efficiency. 

The training began at 6:00 AM and was led by Scott Hartman, Splicing Field Superintendent, and Daryl Zaremba, Safety and Training Manager. It focused on the proper techniques for lifting Optical Ground Wire coils on and off the “H-Bracket” on utility poles and similar structures.  

The session included 

• Review of a detailed handout covering technical specifications including coil weights, lengths, and lifting procedures 

• A live demonstration that showed multiple lifting techniques, which included the use of an aerial bucket, UTV winch, and a block and tackle.  

The training offered crew members a better understanding of the best practices in OPGW coil lifting. This goes along with the company’s commitment to safety for every member to feel confident and capable in the field.  

The next session is scheduled for June 16, when the remaining members will complete their training.  

While safety is always at the forefront of everything we do here at Celerity, the potential for an “incident” of any kind, at any level, at any time, is always there. This can potentially lead to a devastating and fatal on-the-job incident, where someone doesn’t make it back home to their family.

Our continued goal here at Celerity has been, and always will be, to ensure that all of us go home to our families at the end of the day alive, well, and un-injured.

But unfortunately, there are many others across the country who don’t make it home at the end of the day due to a fatal on-the-job incident. Celerity encourages the need to recognize those in the workforce who are no longer with us.

Each year, a day is set aside to recognize those that we’ve lost within the workforce due to a workplace accident. On Sunday, April 28^th, we are recognizing those persons on WORKERS MEMORIAL DAY. OSHA and many employers across the country, partner together to recognize those persons who were lost during their normal workday. We ask that you take a moment this weekend to recognize those that were lost. Below is a link to a website that will take you to the OSHA Workers Memorial site. On the Workers Memorial site, you see  names and faces of those we’ve lost this year across the country due to an on-the-job incident.

Celerity will keep the names and faces of those that we’ve lost due to an on-the-job incident in our minds as we go about our day and as we perform our daily tasks. Let their legacies be a reminder to each of us that anything can happen at any time. No one goes to work each day with the mind set that they are not going home at the end of the day, so please, let’s be safe out there, watch out for each other, and remember those that have passed while we go about our day.

Quakertown, PA / October 27, 2022

PPL Electric Utilities offered a Live Line Electrical Safety Exhibit and demonstration for Celerity employees!

On October 27th, Celerity held our Quarterly Safety Meeting which included dinner for the entire staff and ended with a live event hosted by PPL in the rear parking lot.

Event Description: "The PPL Live Line Exhibit is a 7,200-volt electrical distribution grid that features live electrical wires, utility poles and transformers, used to present dangers associated with electricity. Trained PPL staff wearing protective equipment use ladders, gloves, shovels and other tools in a controlled environment to recreate sparks, flames, smoke and crackling that occur when items come in contact with live electrical lines."

Source: “Our Live Line Exhibit is back on tour.” stories.pplelectric.com, PPL Stories, https://stories.pplelectric.com/2021/05/19/our-live-line-exhibit-is-back-on-tour/.

Thank you to JR and our safety committee for organizing this event!

One Touch Make Ready, Scranton, PA / Sept 16, 2022

Celerity’s focus on behavior-based safety has proven to be useful, not only for creating a safe workplace environment, but providing an swift response to an emergency.

Celerity technicians, Ian Schmidt and Christian Oates, were on site performing make ready work when they noticed an elderly man had fallen. Christian saw the incident from his bucket's vantage point and alerted Ian to the situation.

Ian got out of the truck to check on the man and realized he was unconscious.

Luckily, a nurse was driving by the job site and pulled over while Ian was assessing the situation. Ian and Christian provided the first aid kit stocked on their truck to the nurse. She was able to administer first aid until the ambulance arrived on scene.

This was a highly unexpected and unlikely emergency situation for any of our crews to run into, but Ian and Christian responded to it in the best way possible.

Ian and Christian rose to the occasion to help someone. Celerity safety representative stated, "I was proud to hear of the crew’s ability to do the right thing. This is an example of the different problems we may encounter in the field and how many of them are unexpected."

Thank you to Ian and Christian for your swift response to this emergency.

Construction workers exposed to hot, summer weather are at risk of Heat Related Injury and Illness.

Technicians work in non-climate controlled spaces, in direct sunlight, on roadways, right-of-ways, and other conditions that may generate excess heat within the body. This may put construction workers at an increased risk for Heat Related Injury.

There are two primary conditions that may result from being exposed to and working in extreme heat environments.

Heatstroke

Heat Stroke is a condition in which the body retains heat progressively and the body temperature rises rapidly to life-threatening levels of 108 to 111 degrees.

Signs and symptoms of heatstroke are:
A change in the patient's mental functions. They may appear very fatigued, confused, or lose consciousness.
The body temperature is very hot. The skin is intensely hot and flushed. And finally, the pulse is usually rapid and strong, becoming weaker.

Heat Exhaustion

Heat exhaustion is a condition of fatigue and weakness, usually with normal body temperature, resulting from prolonged exposure to heat.

Signs and symptoms of heat exhaustion are:
The individual may feel faint or fatigued while working in a hot environment.
Body temperature is normal or nearly normal.
Skin is moist and cool.

Although prevalent, there are ways to prevent Heat Related Injury. The following guidelines are OSHA recommended and should be considered to prevent workers from falling victim to these conditions.

Dress for Hot Conditions: Wear light colored, loose fitting and lightweight clothes.

Drink Water: Drink water every 15 minutes when working in hot conditions. Do not wait until you are thirsty to drink water. We have provided hydration powder packets for our employees to use. We strongly encourage using electrolyte beverages throughout the day. Do not drink alcohol and avoid caffeine.

Take Breaks: Take frequent rest breaks in shaded, cooled, or air-conditioned areas.

Speak Up: Finally, if you see a co-worker with symptoms of Heat Exhaustion, speak up. If you see a co-worker with symptoms of Heat Stroke, seek medical attention immediately.

The spring season creates the potential for jobsite safety hazards.

With these seasonal challenges in mind, Celerity is highlighting some of our late spring safety practices.

1. Mud. While our trucks are more than capable of dealing with offroad conditions, mud is a hazard that we must take into consideration and treat with respect. Mud is not only a driving hazard, but a trip hazard. Remember to watch your footing when working in mud.

2. Unstable surfaces. When driving offroad, be sure to analyze your path! Use your best judgement when driving over wet areas. If an area or surface looks questionable, walk the path before attempting to drive your vehicle in the area.

3. Be mindful of thunderstorms. With spring, comes rain. At Celerity, we watch the daily weather to indicate suitable working conditions. Our thunderstorm policy requires our crews to stop conductor-related work when a thunderstorm is approaching 50 miles of the job site.

4. Wear appropriate clothing. Make sure to have your appropriate clothing for working in the ever-changing spring weather conditions. Choose footwear with appropriate traction for slippery surfaces. Keeping dry is important when working out in the elements.

5. Sunburn protection. Wear sunscreen, protective sun brims and appropriate protective clothing. Sunburns are not exclusive to hot, summer months.

Celerity strives for jobsite safety. Safe workplace practices are the key to protecting our employees.

View our Safety Feed Here to learn more about Celerity's safety culture.

Celerity designs, builds, services and maintains fiber optic and wireless infrastructure. Well Planned, Well Crafted, Well Done.

Cooler, autumnal weather presents its own set of seasonal challenges.

During this time of year, hotter temperatures are replaced with the autumnal weather. During the fall we experience the potential of thunderstorms, hurricanes, dewy surfaces, and shorter days. The drop in temperatures, weather conditions and shorter days increase potential dangers for employees.

With these seasonal challenges in mind, Celerity is highlighting some of our autumnal safety practices.

Preventing slips and falls. Walkways can become slick when it rains or dews. Make sure to keep walkways clear of leaves and other hazards.

Layered clothing. Wearing layers is key to managing autumnal weather. With frequent weather changes, layers are an important key to preparing for changes in temperature throughout the day.

Autumnal driving hazards. Deer crossings, rain, mud, dew and fog are fall hazards to be aware of while operating a vehicle during the fall months. Driving off-road during the fall can lead to getting stuck in muddy conditions.

Inspecting space heaters. Space heaters are one of the leading causes of residential fires. Check to make sure the space heater is in working condition. Do not leave the space heater in operation while unattended.

Inspecting smoke alarms, fire extinguishers and first aid kits. In case of emergency, check these items are in working condition.

Reporting illness. Celerity employees are encouraged to stay home when feeling ill.

School Zones. Back to school season brings pedestrian and bus traffic. Pay attention to school zones, urban and suburban neighborhoods.

Outdoor work requires proper preparation. View OSHA Cold weather practices.

Celerity designs, builds, services and maintains fiber optic and wireless infrastructure. Well Planned, Well Crafted, Well Done.

Celerity’s focus on behavior-based safety has proven to be a useful tool in creating a safe work environment during confined space entry.

Celerity’s safety department prioritizes behavior-based safety. Our qualified safety professionals coach employee actions toward safer outcomes by preventing injury or accidents. The proactivity within the walls of Celerity correlate to our technicians displaying acts of safety in the field.

Celerity technicians were on site preparing to enter a manhole during a local construction project. Manholes and other permit required confined spaces are defined as, "a space large enough for a person to bodily enter and perform work." The confined space may contain dangerous concentrations of hazardous gases or vapors or an oxygen deficient atmosphere. Entry to these spaces must be rigorously controlled to prevent serious injury or death.

Before proceeding with the manhole entry, technicians tested the designated atmospheric monitoring multi-gas meter. The multi-gas meter was discovered to be improperly functioning. Celerity technicians did not enter the space, per protocol, protecting themselves from exposure to unknown hazards, injury, or death.

Celerity procured working equipment to the job site. With working equipment, technicians were able to continue with the project, safely entering the confined space.

“Employees lives are at stake every time there is an entry into a confined space. Employers have the responsibility to protect them.”

OSHA. “Permit Required Confined Space Entry.” 29 CFR 1910.146 Occupational Safety & Health Bureau. Accessed October 5, 2021.

Our biggest takeaway from this event was the payoff of our proactive learning process.

For more information on confined spaces, visit OSHA’s website.

Celerity designs, builds, services and maintains fiber optic and wireless infrastructure. We proudly serve telecommunications companies, electric utility companies, education and healthcare organizations using the most efficient network technology available, through all phases of pre-planning, construction, splicing, testing and close out documentation. Well Planned, Well Crafted, Well Done.

Safety is the culture of Celerity.

Quakertown, Pennsylvania, —Celerity announced it has achieved Gold in Associated Builders and Contractor’s STEP Safety Management System, meaning Celerity is 655% safer than the industry average. Founded more than three decades ago, STEP has evolved into a world-class safety program that dramatically improves safety performance among construction industry participants..

“This achievement is a payoff of everyone’s efforts at Celerity.”

Ron Leight, JR. Vice President and Co-Owner.

Safety is the culture of Celerity, from the training we provide, to the PPE and equipment we use at each jobsite, to the communication among our crews that ensure we are keeping each other safe.

STEP participants measure their safety processes and policies on key components through a detailed questionnaire with the goal of implementing or enhancing safety programs that reduce jobsite incidents.

Each of Celerity’s safety efforts are designed to protect our employees. Through the ABC STEP Program process, Celerity’s EMR dropped to a projected .838, which is below the industry average of 1.0. Celerity hired a Safety Professional to promote the culture of safety throughout the company, as well as maintain our fleet through the lens of safe driving behaviors. Additionally, Celerity has maintained zero days away from work and zero instances of lost time and continue to improve our safety practices within Celerity’s Safety Orientation Training process.

Celerity’s team managers diligently meet to discuss safety topics each week. The gold level achievement is a reflection of our dedicated team of professionals.

“Safety is a journey, and that journey is possible because of systems like STEP, which enables ABC member contractors like Celerity to have a safer and more productive jobsite,´ said Greg Sizemore, ABC vice president of health, safety, environment and workforce development. “Committing to total human health is essential to ensure both the physical and mental health and safety of our workforce, and I commend Celerity for consistently fulfilling those commitments to raising the bar of safety performance.”

According to ABC’s annual Safety Performance Report, STEP participants, regardless of company size or type of work, and can reduce recordable incidents up to 85%, making the best performing companies more than eight times safer than the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics industry average. Ratings range from Diamond, the highest, to Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze and Participant.

To learn more about the STEP program, visit abcstep.org.

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Celerity designs, builds, services and maintains fiber optic and wireless infrastructure. We proudly serve telecommunications companies, electric utility companies, education and healthcare organizations using the most efficient network technology available, through all phases of pre-planning, construction, splicing, testing and close out documentation. Well Planned. Well Crafted. Well Done. For more information, visit nextmiletech.com.