Employees from across the electric cooperative and its fiber subsidiary recently gathered for the annual All-Employee Safety Day, an event dedicated to strengthening the culture of safety that guides every job, every shift, and every mile of line or fiber in the field.
The day brought together field crews, office staff, fiber technicians, and support teams for hands-on demonstrations, training sessions, and discussions centered on one shared priority: making sure every employee goes home safely to their families at the end of the day.
Whether climbing a pole, splicing fiber, managing equipment, or supporting members from the office, each employee plays a critical role in creating a safe environment for themselves and their coworkers. “We have a dedicated team of employees who put their lives on the line every day to power the communities that we serve,” said Melissa Gay, VP of Member Services and Communications. “Their families are counting on them to come home safely at the end of each day, and we have to work together and work safely to be sure that happens.”
Throughout the day, employees participated in demonstrations and safety training that is designed to sharpen their ability to identify hazards and avoid risky situations.
Topics included:
- Impaired Driving
- Safe fiber splicing practices
- A review of the Rural Electric Safety Achievement Program (RESAP)
- Bucket truck and hurt man rescue
- Chainsaw safety
By providing employees with the knowledge, tools, and real-world scenarios needed to recognize danger before it occurs, the cooperative aims to reduce accidents, increase preparedness, and empower individuals to make safe decisions both in the office and in the field.
Employees also received updated information about data protection, cyber threats, and the importance of keeping the cooperative’s digital systems safe and operational.
Safety Day serves as a reminder that safety is not a once-a-year event. It’s a daily commitment shared by everyone on the cooperative and broadband team. By investing in training, equipment, and education, the cooperative continues to foster a culture where employees are encouraged to speak up, slow down, and take the steps needed to protect themselves and their coworkers. When employees stay safe, families stay whole and that is what matters most.
