After rounding out two consecutive years without an employee missing work due to an injury on-the-job, an impressive accomplishment given the complexity and inherent dangers of the electric industry, Carroll EMC was recognized with a No Lost Time Award by its statewide association, Georgia EMC.
“Our business inevitably involves risks from energized wires, working high off the ground and moving heavy items like poles—not to mention being out in storms to restore power,” said Carroll EMC’s Safety and Training Director, Matt Young. “We strive every day to minimize these dangers by investing time and attention to safety measures and careful work practices.”
Today, electric utility employees, including those with Carroll EMC, work in a much safer environment due to advances in equipment and safety techniques, along with stricter safety regulations and oversight. This leads to a significant reduction in accidents and time away from work for many employees.
Still, the nature of the electric business makes it a challenge to avoid an injury no matter how many safety practices are in place. Nationally, electrical linemen suffered 18.6 fatalities for every 100,000 hours worked in 2020, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, compared to just 3.4 fatalities per 100,000 hours for the average American worker making it especially noteworthy when EMCs earn this award.
“We all want to return home to our families at the end of each day,” added Young. “I think that makes all the difference in our employees, especially linemen, wanting to carefully follow the safety precautions that are in place.”
Carroll EMC was presented the No Lost Time Award by Georgia EMC during its annual meeting held Nov. 6 in Savannah.