Championing safety

Delivering safe, reliable electricity is a daily priority at Walton EMC. For CEO Ron Marshall, safety comes right at the top of the list.

Marshall, who began his career working as a lineman alongside his father, says his commitment to safety comes from personal experience. As a young lineman he witnessed the serious injury of a fellow crew member.

“I can still see and hear everything,” he said. The “pivotal moment” inspired his dedication to electrical safety.

Aligning with Marshall’s safety priorities, co-op safety team members recently held a high-voltage powerline demonstration for co-workers whose jobs don’t involve energized lines. The training opportunity helps co-op employees better serve members, said Ryan West, safety and training instructor.

“Poles can break, lines can fall to the ground, transformers can be displaced; but lines and equipment can still be energized,” he said, stressing the danger involved.

During the demonstration, employees were able to ask questions about high-voltage electricity safety and learn answers they can use to educate Walton EMC’s customer-owners.

It’s information that can come in handy in the often-stormy South where damaged power lines sometimes fall. Marshall hopes co-op employees can apply their new knowledge to help prevent accidents and possibly save a life.

Power Line Safety Demo Video