Lamar Electric Cooperative has reached a milestone of 11 years without a lost-time injury. Recently, Texas Electric Cooperative Loss Control Specialist, Mike Finnell, presented a framed certificate to Lamar Electric for working 11 years without a lost-time accident. That is a safety record of 4,015 days.
“A lineman’s job is one of the top 10 most dangerous jobs in the United States. Achieving 11 years without a lost-time accident is quite an accomplishment for a utility company. This exceptional safety record shows that your management and employees are on board with being committed to a safe work environment,” stated Finnell.
The award was accepted by Operations Manager, Scott Sansom, and General Manager, Jerry Williams. This record of no lost time is due to the commitment to safety from Lamar Electric’s board of directors, CEO, supervisors and employees.
“We have created a safety culture in the workplace with regular training and taking extra safety precautions. We have weekly team safety meetings as well as OSHA training throughout the year provided by Texas Electric Cooperative. Each year, 10 percent of utility poles across our service area, roughly 5,000 poles, are inspected to keep our employees and members safe,” said Sansom.
Each lineman is issued PPE “personal protective equipment” for safety on the job. Operating equipment is routinely checked to guarantee it works properly and safely. “We are truly a cooperative family, showing concern for each other on and off the job to ensure that all employees arrive back home to their families each and every day. We strive to provide our members with safe, affordable and reliable electrical service. Safety is more than a choice we make as employees; it is a way of life,” said Williams.
