October 30, 2007
Cornhusker Power Receives National Safety Accreditation

Employee’s safe work habits allowed Cornhusker Power to pass the 2007 National Rural Electric Cooperative Safety Accreditation with a score of 96%.

“It takes great pride, teamwork and effort on everyone’s part for us to receive the accreditation,” said Operations Director Jerry Chlopek.

“Being accredited assists us in knowing that we’re meeting OSHA guidelines and doing everything possible to provide our employees with a safe working atmosphere. Accredited systems receive a 5% discount on insurance rates, which saves Cornhusker money on insurance premiums,” said General Manager Ron Hostetter.

“It is a recognition to be proud of. Very few systems have been accredited as long as Cornhusker Pubic Power District, said Greg Nelson, safety instructor for the Nebraska Rural Electric Association.

This is the eleventh time Cornhusker has received the three-year accreditation. The certificate is awarded to rural electric systems that are committed to employee and public safety and dedicated to accident prevention and loss control. The RE Safety Accreditation Program, founded in 1967, serves as a forerunner in promoting safety among rural electric systems. Accreditation signifies a team effort among the Board, managers and employees to make safety an integral part of their daily operations.

The goal of the Safety Accreditation Program remains to preserve life and to prevent injuries; to establish safety and loss control standards; to recognize people who work everyday to maintain a safe work environment; and to compliment the mission of reliable electrical service for our customers.

To qualify for the award, a detailed description of safety practices for the past three years is accumulated. Activities like testing rubber gloves, attendance at safety training meetings and school safety programs are noted. Documentation of written safety policies, work procedures and inspection records for the previous three years is sent to the national review committee.

A trained observation team conducts the on-site inspection of the facilities. One day is spent reviewing system records and inspecting office, shop, vehicles, line and substations.

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