buckeye rec: newsroom: e-safety

Thinking safety produces savings for co-op

Lost-time accidents and major safety violations among Buckeye Rural Electric Cooperative employees were substantially lower last year, thanks to field inspections, safety training, and a new safety award program.

Phil Miller, vice president of Administrative Services, said, “Last year’s employee safety record was one of the best we’ve ever experienced. This was due to a combination of factors, not the least of which is an attitude toward the importance of workplace safety.”

Total lost-time hours due to mishaps were a fraction of the previous year.

“Knock-on-wood, this was the best year for safety improvement in the time I’ve been at the co-op,” Miller added.

Ten months were accident free; three minor OSHA reportable events occurred; and only one mishap resulted in payment of lost-time wages.

Miller said credit for the drastic improvement goes to the employees and their supervisors.

“Electric linemen perform dangerous work. They must be safety conscious at all times, but even office workers have to be careful. Accidents can occur anytime, anywhere.”

Employees in all departments attended safety training courses during the year, held safety meetings, and participated in a safety award program.

Supervisors and Ohio Rural Electric Cooperatives (OREC) safety inspectors performed field checks of work procedures; equipment was checked and certified for safety; and all employees received first aid and CPR training.

“We start every work week with an operations focus meeting in which, among other things, safety is stressed,” Miller said. “Office employees receive education and training on a variety of safety subjects, including lifting, blood-borne pathogens, and stress. We also are emphasizing wellness issues, such as smoking cessation, exercise, nutrition, and weight control.”

The purpose of the co-op’s safety program is to keep workers healthy and productive. An added benefit is holding the line on human services and benefit costs.

“If we can keep this safety improvement going, it will lower our Workman’s Compensation insurance experience factor and translate into lower premiums,” Miller said.