NATE Video Highlights Vehicle Safety for Communication Tower Workers

NATE Releases Video on Vehicle Safety for Tower Workers

Cameron Swanson, vice president of operations at Ontivity, emphasized the importance of staying focused and avoiding complacency for communication tower workers who commute and operate vehicles on jobsites, as featured in a new video from NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association, released on May 13, 2026, in Watertown, SD, according to Safety+Health Magazine.

Key Insights from Swanson’s Guidance

In the video, Swanson discusses several safety practices, including avoiding distracted driving by refraining from texting or multitasking while operating vehicles, and highlights the need for using a spotter when backing vehicles to prevent accidents. He advises workers to reduce speed in work zones and drive defensively, noting that reaction time is crucial, especially when hauling a trailer. Swanson also stresses securing loads in line with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations and checking surroundings before backing into a jobsite.

Additional Safety Tips Provided

Swanson recommends maintaining a safe following distance and adding extra time if following a driver with out-of-state license plates, indicating potential unfamiliarity with the area. He urges workers to set aside ego and seek help when needed, such as using a spotter, and points out that the most important job is getting home safely. The video is part of NATE’s Climber Connection series, which promotes safe work practices for communication tower workers, according to Safety+Health Magazine.

Context and Series Overview

As widely known in the safety industry, vehicle-related incidents are a common risk in construction and utility sectors, and resources like NATE’s series aim to address these through targeted education. The video underscores practical steps for enhancing safety culture among tower workers, building on ongoing efforts by associations to mitigate risks in daily operations.