Three New Case History Podcasts for Your Holiday Travels
As the holiday season arrives and many of us hit the road or take to the skies, GBA is excited to share three new episodes in the GBA Podcast Case History series—perfect listening for your travels! These episodes offer valuable lessons, practical insights, and engaging storytelling from the field.
Each episode features Elizabeth Brown, P.E., Principal Geotechnical Engineer at JLT Consultants, and Abi Corbett, Project Consultant at SME. With decades of combined experience across geotechnical investigations, project management, and construction quality assurance, Elizabeth and Abi bring expertise, candor, and a touch of humor to every Case History discussion.
Case History #65 – Treat a Big Deal Like a Big Deal
A city’s “showcase” brownfields project takes an unexpected turn when a contract’s boilerplate language radically expands a member firm’s responsibilities—from simple bay-water sampling to serving as the city’s environmental inspector. Unaware of the change, the firm faces major challenges during construction, leading to a lawsuit and costly mediation. Key lessons include the importance of reading every word of a contract, being professionally proactive, and treating big issues with the urgency they deserve.
Case History #75 – OSHA Violations: The Risk of Sharing Equipment
A member firm overseeing drilled shaft construction for a shopping center faces surprise OSHA citations for site safety practices. Despite following industry standards, the firm is cited for equipment use and training issues. With the help of an experienced attorney, most fines are rescinded, but the experience underscores the authority of safety inspectors and the need for proactive legal and safety strategies. Lessons include discussing procedures with OSHA, training field personnel, and always being proactive about safety.
Case History #116 – Went Fishing…Caught a Whale
A GBA member firm is hired to repair a sheet pile dock at a remote food processing plant. When the dock collapses on the first day of mobilization, the project shifts from repair to full replacement—under intense time pressure before the fishing season. Through teamwork, creativity, and trust, the project is completed in just six weeks, saving the owner millions and forging lasting professional relationships. This episode highlights the power of communication, intuition, and collaboration in overcoming unexpected challenges.
About GBA Case Histories and the Podcast Series
GBA Case Histories are real-world accounts of challenges, solutions, and lessons learned in geoprofessional practice. The podcast series brings these stories to life, offering practical takeaways for professionals at every level. Each episode is designed to help you make better risk-based decisions, avoid common pitfalls, and strengthen your approach to contracts, safety, and client relationships.
The GBA Podcast also features interviews, risk management discussions, and business resources to support your professional growth. New episodes are released regularly.
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