Safety is a primary concern for water and wastewater utilities, especially given the challenges of coordination with multi-state agencies, complying with consent decrees, and managing limited resources during field implementation. This session first discusses the unique safety challenges utilities face and then moves to a discussion on using a gap analysis to tackle these complex issues effectively. Water and wastewater utilities grapple with a multitude of challenges in their pursuit of enhanced safety. From navigating complex multi-state regulations and compliance obligations to managing limited resources and translating safety plans into field implementation, these utilities face hurdles in fostering a robust safety culture. Meeting evolving regulatory standards, ensuring alignment across diverse operational landscapes, and instigating behavioral shifts toward a safety-first mindset are key focal points in their quest for enhanced safety measures. A tailored approach in conducting a safety gap analysis is pivotal as it recognizes the unique intricacies and operational nuances of each utility. By adopting a customized perspective, a gap analysis becomes more than just an assessment tool—it becomes a strategic roadmap tailored specifically to address the safety needs and challenges inherent to the utility. This tailored lens allows for a granular examination of safety protocols, pinpointing critical gaps that might otherwise go unnoticed in standardized assessments. Moreover, it enables utilities to prioritize and allocate resources more effectively, focusing on areas that require immediate attention while streamlining safety measures according to the utility's specific operational landscape. Ultimately, a tailored approach in conducting safety gap analyses empowers utilities to forge precise, targeted solutions that resonate with their organizational realities, fostering a robust and resilient safety framework. This session emphasizes the importance of a practical and customized approach. Attendees will gain actionable insights into how a gap analysis can be a crucial tool to assess current status with compliance, industry standard, and best practice. In addition, speakers will provide techniques for ensuring comprehensive safety coverage and reinforcement of safety measures in the dynamic landscape of utility operations.