WEC‘s dedication shines through inspection
As the sun’s first rays brighten the sky Wiregrass Electric Cooperative (WEC) lineworkers arrive at headquarters in Hatford. Many visit the break room for a cup of coffee, where they are greeted by safety posters on the walls. The posters bear the faces of their co-workers and families and serve as a gentle reminder to prioritize safety, wear protective gear, stay focused and lead by example.
After loading their equipment and safety gear, the lineworkers head out with a shared purpose — to safely provide reliable and quality electric service to the communities they serve.
This routine captures the essence of Wiregrass Electric Cooperative’s sense of duty. Safety is not just a checklist — it is an integral part of the cooperative’s identity. Recently, WEC celebrated a significant milestone by completing the Rural Electric Safety Achievement Program, or RESAP, safety assessment.
The RESAP inspection is a comprehensive evaluation of safety and loss-control efforts, administered by the Alabama Rural Electric Association. Every 3 years, and inspector assesses the cooperative’s adherence to safety regulations and commitment to continuous improvements. It is and opportunity for WCEC to demonstrate its dedication to protecting lineworkers and ensuring the safety of members.
It’s a top to bottom checkup of the cooperative as a whole. We’re looking at their facilities, fleet, equipment and procedures to make sure everything is up to standard,” says AREA Safety Coordinator Jeff Whatley. “We’re also looking at the big picture, the culture of safety. Are employees involved in safety conversations? Is leadership committed to their safety? How does the co-op communicate safety, and is it effective?”
Lineworkers brave high-voltage electricity and hazardous conditions daily. That’s why the safety posters throughout each of WEC’s four offices are more than just decoration. They represent WEC’s commitment to providing a safe working environment where lineworkers return home to their loved ones at the end of the day.
From forming the safety committee, comprised of lineworkers and representatives spanning various departments, to implementing comprehensive safety training and education programs, WEC cultivates a pervasive safety culture.
“We encourage open communication, so employees can report safety concerns and provide suggestions,” says Bethany Retherford, human resources and compliance manager. “We’re not just ticking boxes. We want everyone on the same page with an understanding that safety is a shared responsibility and that we’re all looking out for one another.”
Lineworkers’ voices are heard, their insights valued and their firsthand experiences are shared, allowing WEC to identify safety issues, share best practices and implement improvements. Through rigorous safety audits and inspections, WEC ensures it meets, and often exceeds, the minimum regulatory compliance standards set by organizations like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration. Any deviations are swiftly addressed, corrective actions are taken, and additional training is provided.
“Wiregrass Electric passed their assessment with high marks, “Whatley says. “We applaud them for employing a strong safety program that goes above and beyond what’s required of them.”
Earning the RESAP certification affirms WEC is moving in the right direc- tion, ensuring its lineworkers’ well-being and providing reliable and affordable electric service.
“It’s more than being certified — it’s about doing right by our people,” WEC Chief Operating Officer Brad Kimbro says. “On behalf of Wiregrass Electric, we’re proud of our staff who brave dan- gerous conditions to keep the lights on for our members. Their safety and the safety of our members is always the No. 1 priority. It’s a legacy we strive to build on every day.”
Financial Aspect
When it comes to safety, it’s not just about regulations, there’s a financial impact, too. WEC incorporates safety into annual budget planning, including expenses like providing personal protective equipment to field employees working around energized lines.
“Each year, we reevaluate our needs and industry requirements when creating our budget,” CFO Lisa Lenoir says. “ Our goal is to equip our linemen with the tools they need to perform their jobs safely so we can send them home to their families unharmed at the end of every shift.
For emergency response and preparedness, WEC maintains credit relationships with outside financial institutions. These relationships are a safety net in case local financial institutions are impacted during emergencies or if credit lines need to be activated to support restoration efforts in extreme cases. WEC leaves no stone unturned in its commitment to safety, prioritizing financial planning and partnerships to ensure its ability to respond to unforeseen challenges.
Safety Items in a Lineworker’s Toolkit
- Personal Protective Equipment or PPE — Hard hats, safety glasses, flame-resistant clothing, gloves and protective footwear shield line- workers from electrical, thermal and physical hazards.
- Insulating gloves and sleeves — Rubber or dielectric gloves protect against electric shock when work- ing on energized lines.
- Fall protection equipment — Harnesses, lanyards and self-retracting lifelines prevent falls and provide stability when working at heights.
- Voltage detectors and testers— These ensure that circuits are de-energized before work, reducing the risk of accidental contact with live lines.
- Grounding and bonding equipment — These tools create a safe path for electrical currents to flow to the ground, minimizing the chance of shock or arc flashes.
- Insulating blankets and line hoses — These materials provide an extra layer of protection against electrical contact by covering and insulating specific areas.
- Hot sticks — These nonconductive poles enable safe handling of switches, cutouts and other electrical devices from a safe distance.