By DeAnna Greene
May is Electrical Safety Month, and what better time to celebrate a company that prioritizes safety, like Valley Electric and its family of companies! With a sprawling electrical system encompassing over 6,800 miles across numerous communities, keeping everyone safe is no easy task. But Valley, with its impressive safety record and unwavering commitment to its employees and communities, has turned safety into an art form.
Valley Electric boasts a culture where safety reigns supreme. This dedication is evident in their staggering achievement of over 1.6 million hours without a recordable incident. This translates to an environment where the Valley team can focus on their jobs without fear, knowing they'll return home safely to their families each day. This commitment extends beyond just employees; it encompasses the communities that Valley serves.
The mastermind behind this success story is Joe Fieldsted, Valley Electric's Safety Manager. Under his leadership, the company has cultivated a culture of proactive safety. The program revolves around identifying potential hazards before they become problems. This vigilance has been well rewarded. In 2023 alone, Joe himself won the prestigious Northwest Public Power Association (NWPPA) Career Commitment to Safety Award, and Valley Electric secured third place in the hours of Exposure Safety Contest for the 2021 year where the company achieved a remarkable feat of over 221,720 hours without any recordable or lost-time injuries.
Regular inspections of equipment and facilities form the bedrock of Valley Electric's safety program. Before any piece of equipment is used, it must be inspected and ensured it is in proper working condition. To ensure crew safety, Valley supplies all necessary Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for each project, mitigating potential hazards.
Crew briefings, or "tailboards" as they're called, are mandatory before every project. These briefings guarantee clear communication, ensuring each crew member understands their role and the safety protocols they need to follow. Every crew has a dedicated foreman tasked specifically with overseeing safe work practices. They act as the first line of defense, ensuring everyone prioritizes safety throughout the project.
Understanding the inherent dangers of working with electricity and on rooftops, Valley has implemented robust safety policies and procedures. These detailed guidelines serve as a constant reminder for employees to prioritize safety in every aspect of their work. Fieldsted frequently conducts crew visits to ensure all safety protocols are in place as crews work.
Encouraging open communication is another cornerstone of Valley's safety program. When Fieldsted joined the team in 2014, one of his first priorities was making it easier for employees to report safety concerns. This open reporting system allows him to identify and address potential issues before they result in future problems. Employees feel empowered to voice their concerns, fostering a culture of trust and continuous improvement.
Safety is a constant focus at Valley Electric, not just on the job but at home as well. All work crews undergo regular training specifically designed for their job roles. Additionally, Joe Fieldsted hosts quarterly employee meetings that delve into safety practices, covering everything from ladder safety to staying safe in extreme heat, always tying in how the safety topics relate to home lives as well.
The impact of a successful safety program goes beyond just keeping employees safe. It translates to significant cost savings for the cooperative through reduced insurance premiums. These savings have amounted to thousands of dollars over the years, which saves in the cooperative’s operating costs, equating to member savings.
Valley's commitment to safety extends beyond its employees. Every May, during Electrical Safety Month, Valley reaches out to all elementary schools in their service territory, offering educational presentations to fifth-grade students. By educating young minds about the dangers of electricity, Valley Electric hopes to prevent future accidents.
These safety demonstrations are not limited to schools; they cater to a wide audience, ranging from preschoolers to adults. Even specialized programs are available for police and fire departments, tailored to the specific safety needs of their roles.
The mobile safety trailer is a highlight of these demonstrations. This unique tool allows for live demonstrations of electrical safety, showcasing the power of electricity and how to stay safe in various scenarios. With its ever-popular exploding hot dog demonstration, where the demonstrator runs a high voltage current through the hot dog it visibly explodes. It's a powerful way for Valley Electric to share the realities of their work and educate the community on staying safe around electricity.
Fieldsted's passion for safety shines through in his approach. He emphasizes the importance of keeping safety messages clear and concise, especially for children. "Children are naturally curious," he says. "It’s amazing to see how quickly some of them can grasp the concepts of how electricity can work. Keeping it simple is so important so they can get a chance for the information to stick with them. I love the excitement they bring when we share our message. When you look at them, you are looking at our future."
For adults, the message is equally crucial. "Electrical safety is important at all ages," Joe reminds us. By imparting basic safety principles, Valley can equip viewers with knowledge that could potentially save lives.
Valley Electric isn’t just delivering power; it’s delivering a powerful message of safety. From prioritizing employee well-being to fostering a culture of awareness within the communities it serves, its commitment to safety is a shining example for others. By empowering its workforce and educating future generations, Valley is ensuring a brighter, safer future—one spark of knowledge at a time.