I began my career in 2001 in the utility industry, working as an International Society of Arboriculture-certified arborist and utility specialist in vegetation management. I also worked as a commercial arborist and ran my own residential tree business. I thrived on the challenges of working with trees and utilities, competing as a climber, and serving as a head judge at regional events. I truly loved the industry.
However, everything changed on March 10, 2009. During the previous December, New England had been struck by a devastating ice storm, causing extensive damage to utilities and private properties. For three months, my company focused on storm recovery efforts. That fateful morning, while felling a storm-damaged tree, I was struck.
Since then, I’ve undergone more than 30 hours of surgeries, which resulted in the loss of my right arm, along with chronic pain and partial paralysis. As recently as last year, I underwent a major surgery to alleviate nerve pain and enhance my quality of life.
During my recovery, I earned a second degree and rejoined the workforce as an operations manager, contracting with utilities and managing rights of way. This incident ignited my passion for improving worker safety, which became my primary focus. I transitioned into a safety manager role, turning my passion into a fulfilling career. However, I soon realized that passion alone wasn’t enough.
Safety is a complex field that demands continuous learning, experience and collaboration. I joined industry safety committees, eventually serving as co-chair of the Utility Arborist Association’s Safety Committee. I also began sharing my story at trade shows and conferences, which led to receiving the Will Nutter Silver Shield Safety Award in 2018. I truly enjoy learning, sharing, teaching, consulting, writing and speaking about everything that safety encompasses.
As I grew professionally, I expanded my expertise by taking training courses. I became a National Safety Council defensive driver instructor, completed OSHA 10- and 30-hour courses, and gained familiarity with fleet telematics and third-party supply chain vendor reporting platforms. These efforts paid off as I took on safety management responsibilities for multiple business lines at a nationwide organization, driving cultural change and achieving consistent improvements in safety-related key performance indicators.
Eventually, I moved into the construction and maintenance segment of the utility industry. I earned a Certified Safety Manager credential from the National Association of Safety Professionals and Associate Safety Professional certification from the Board of Certified Safety Professionals.
I firmly believe in the importance of lifelong learning and growth. The safety field is filled with passionate, knowledgeable professionals who are eager to share their expertise, making collaboration one of its greatest strengths. Whether it’s Human Organizational Performance, construction practices, manufacturing processes, electrical hazards or incident investigations, I look forward to continuing my career in this vital and rewarding field.
Keith Pancake, CUSP, ASP
Safety Specialist, Osmose
Safety Consultant, Blacktail Safety
What’s your story?
Email us at [email protected] with the subject line “My Story.” You may be featured in an upcoming issue of Safety+Health.
