Okefenoke REMC was recently recognized for one year without a lost time injury in the workplace or in the field, an impressive accomplishment given the complexity and inherent dangers of working with electricity in the utility industry.

“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 David Smith, OREMC’s Director of Loss Control, Safety & Training. “We strive every day to minimize these dangers by investing time and attention to safety measures and careful work practices.”

To acknowledge the co-op’s robust safety program, OREMC received the No Lost Time Award during Georgia EMC’s annual meeting on November 11 in Savannah.

Today, electric utility employees, including those with OREMC, work in a much safer environment due to advances in equipment and safety techniques along with stricter safety regulations and oversight, all of which leads to a significant reduction in accidents and time away from work for many employees.

According to Georgia EMC’s Vice President of Training & Safety Harry Reeves, due to the nature of the electricity business, it is a challenge to avoid an injury no matter how many safety practices are in place, making it especially noteworthy when EMCs such as OREMC earn this award.

 “It’s a testament to all our employees and our highly-skilled linemen,” says Smith.  “Our success and safety depend on all of us following carefully designed safety precautions to ensure we return home to our families at the end of each day.”

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