By Marie Katterhagen, Director
Safety is the foundation of everything we do in the electrical industry, and it is no different at Todd-Wadena Electric Cooperative. Safety is not simply the absence of accidents; it is the active presence of awareness, preparation, and a shared commitment to doing things the right way every time.
Delivering electricity is a complex and highly coordinated process, but safety itself doesn’t need to be complicated. It starts with a strong culture, one that is supported at every level of the cooperative and reinforced through daily actions.
At TWEC, the Board of Directors and management team place a high priority on safety by investing in infrastructure, training, and systems that reduce risk. Our safety committee includes employees from across the organization, along with Board representation, ensuring safety remains a constant focus throughout the cooperative.
We establish clear safety goals, track progress, and hold ourselves accountable. TWEC also partners with STAR Energy Services, an organization we are proud to be part owners of, to leverage their safety expertise and ensure we meet and exceed current industry standards. Throughout the year, safety inspections and observations are conducted by STAR staff and TWEC employees, along with participation in the Rural Electric Safety Achievement Program (RESAP). This ongoing program helps reinforce strong safety practices and keeps safety top-of-mind in everything we do.
Safety doesn’t stop at the co-op, it extends to our members and communities as well. You play an important role in helping keep everyone safe by:
- Reporting downed power lines and always assuming they are energized
- Calling 811 before digging to locate underground utilities
- Keeping at least 10 feet of clearance between equipment and power lines
- Staying inside your vehicle if it comes into contact with a power pole or line; if fire forces you to exit, jump clear with both feet together and jump away with feet together
- Respecting pad-mounted transformers (the green boxes) and keeping a safe distance
Creating a culture of safety requires vigilance from all of us, whether in the field or at home. By respecting the power of electricity and reporting potential hazards, you help us maintain a reliable and secure electric system.
As a Board, we are proud of TWEC’s safety program, but even more proud of our employees who demonstrate a positive, safety-first mindset every day to protect one another and the communities we serve. Thank you for being our partner in safety.
