July 2005

WEMC Aces Safety Test

Your co-op just scored well on a very important exam.

Every three years, Walton EMC undergoes a safety accreditation process. It's a peer review with the main goal of preserving life and preventing injuries.

Accreditation is a three-part exercise. The field observation carries the most weight (50 percent) and is an onsite inspection of the utility's physical facilities.

Walton EMC scored 99 percent on its field observation.

Second is an application that details the co-op's safety policies, procedures and practices over the past three years. This record covers every area of the co-op, not just outside workers, and counts 30 percent.

Walton EMC scored 97 percent on the safety accreditation application.

Last is a verification process (worth 20 percent) where the co-op supplies supporting materials that prove the claims made in the application.  This is sent to the Rural Electric Safety Accreditation Committee for review.

Walton EMC scored 100 percent on the verification process, bringing the final score to 99 percent. Only outstanding cooperatives are accredited; average scores don't make the grade.

What does this mean to you?

“First, we know our customer-owners care about our employees and want them to work safely,” said WEMC's Larry Thompson, who spearheaded the accreditation process.   “Next, safe operating practices mean electric service is more reliable and costs from injury and damage are avoided.”

“Even though we scored extremely well, there's still room for improvement,” continued Thompson.  “We've already looked at the comments from the review and have started preparing for the 2008 accreditation process.”

More Information:  Rural Electric Safety Accreditation Program

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