Iowa Ag Connection - Iowa Co-op Extends 24/7 Safety to Families

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Iowa Co-op Extends 24/7 Safety to Families
Iowa Ag Connection - 02/08/2016

Artwork with a safety touch is now adorning the walls of Maquoketa Valley Electric Cooperative, reports Electric Co-op Today.

Emblazoned with the words "Safety Matters," the banners bear signatures of family members of the 61 employees at the Anamosa, Iowa, co-op.

The signings took place during a "family safety night" at the co-op recently to educate employees' loved ones on the importance of safe work practices.

While Maquoketa has a good safety record, it wanted to take the message "a bit further with hopes of involving families to help remind employees that 'Safety Matters' 24/7," said Patty Manuel, director of business development and communications at the co-op.

To underscore the safety message, bulletin boards with photos submitted by family members also are on display. If the visual aids seem dramatic, that's a good thing, she to Electric Co-op Today.

"We want to emphasize to our employees that we work safely not only because there are rules that require it, but because it allows us to go home each night and spend time with those we enjoy and love," said Manuel. "If a lineman walks by the banner and sees that his 3-year-old signed it, that's a powerful reminder."

The co-op's renewed emphasis on safety has gone beyond the "Safety Matters" kick-off, which included demonstrations and family-friendly activities. MVEC's safety committee discusses how to keep the initiative "front and center" by planning co-op-wide activities. Coming up: A lineman will appear at monthly meetings to share a "Safety Matters" topic.

And a newly hired certified loss control professional has offered to speak at local fire departments about first responder safety.

"Safety is 24/7," said Cory Kieler, the co-op's safety director. "It matters every minute of every day regardless of the field you work in. We make safety a top priority and strive to help spread the importance of the matter."

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