The results of an on site safety inspection conducted by The Electric Cooperatives of Pennsylvania and the thorough review of safety and loss control documentation by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association are finally in.  “I’m proud to announce that Northwestern Rural Electric Cooperative Association, Inc. (Northwestern REC) received a Final Accreditation Score of 96%,” said Michael D. Tirpak, General Manager & CEO.

The Cooperative received a 95% on Field Observation and a 93% on the Accreditation Application.  “The Cooperative received 100% on the Verification process of their application,” says Kenneth J. Brubaker, manager of safety programs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). “The random documents supplied for this part of the process more than supported the Cooperative’s application.”

The Safety Accreditation is recognition for three years of safety activity. “The electric utility business demands a high level of safety awareness and safety performance by all employees,” says Mary Mulligan-Haines, Communications/Marketing Manager for Northwestern REC.

Maintaining a culture of safety is no small task.  “It’s one that requires involvement by everyone at the Cooperative,” says Mulligan-Haines. The benefit of this type of culture is that employee and member safety is not compromised and does not conflict with the business of delivering electricity.

The Accreditation process covers details from Safety Policies to Safety Rules; from Safety Training to Safety Practices; from Fire Extinguishers to First Aid Kits and from Substations to Work Stations.  Vehicle and Driver Safety are also included in the process. “They go over the cooperative from stem to stern,” says Kenneth Lindberg, Human Resources Manager.

“The on site inspection and paper audit are part of a national program that is unique to the utility industry,” says Brubaker. “Achieving Accreditation is something that can only be accomplished by systems whose employees, management team and directors are truly safety conscious.”

Renewal of the Cooperative’s Safety Accreditation Status is just one of the rewards of having a complete and thorough safety program. “We’re also now entitled to an insurance premium discount with Federated Rural Electric Insurance Exchange for the next three years,” says Lindberg.

“I’m proud to be able to work with folks like the ones I’ve met at Northwestern REC,” says Brubaker. “Besides supporting the National Cooperative Safety Standards, their commitment to these safety efforts sends a clear and consistent message to employees and members.”

“Northwestern REC has qualified for the Safety Accreditation since 1976, but  the 2006 final score of 96% is the highest we have ever achieved,” remarks Mulligan-Haines.

Cooperatives must go through the accreditation process to have their status renewed every three years. The overall goal of the Safety Accreditation Program is to preserve life and to prevent injuries, to establish electric utility safety and loss control standards and to recognize the men and women who work every day to maintain a safe work environment.

“Maintaining effective safety and loss control practices takes a team effort and I think it compliments Northwestern REC’s mission to provide safe, reliable electric service to their member/owners,” says Mulligan-Haines.

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