AMP Safety Programs

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November 2016

Safety is a pillar in today’s work environment, especially for those involved in electrical utilities and related industries. It is at the forefront of decisions that are made, a foundation for many company policies, and often a reflection of company values and culture.

While AMP members receive many benefits from their participation within the organization, the safety programs are some of the most vital to the strength and longevity of a member community’s utilities workforce. Creating a safe work environment can decrease lost-time accidents, increase utility reliability and improve overall employee morale.

Recognizing the importance of member safety, AMP has fully integrated it into the organization’s identity and practices.

“Safety has been woven throughout AMP’s messaging since day one,” said Michelle Palmer, AMP’s vice president of technical services. “In recent surveys members ranked safety among the top services that AMP offers.”

This “core service” is offered to members in various forms.

General safety is included with AMP membership for Class I members in Pennsylvania, Michigan, West Virginia and Ohio. These quarterly programs highlight topics of interest and importance specific to electric utility personnel, including accident investigation, protective equipment and lineworker safety.

“The truth is, accidents happen, but most accidents are preventable,” said Nancy Henry, human resources coordinator for the City of Cuyahoga Falls.

Cuyahoga Falls has been a longtime participant in AMP’s safety programs. According to Henry, the safety programs have made the city’s employees more aware of their safety and that of others, both at home and at work.

“One of the questions on job injury reports is ‘Was this preventable?’” said Henry. “In many cases, the answer is yes – it’s all just a matter of being aware of your surroundings. AMP safety programs have helped open the eyes of our employees who thought they were doing things safely.”

In addition to offering general safety programs, AMP holds regional safety meetings three times per year. These day-long meetings are free of charge to members and are held in various locations throughout AMP’s footprint to make them easier for members from different geographic areas to attend.

Jeff Badger, electric superintendent for Grove City, Pennsylvania, recognizes the importance of safety programs, but knows the struggle of trying to organize them internally.

“Trying to get someone to come out here and do a class for a small team has been a challenge in the past,” said Badger. “But not with AMP.”

Like Cuyahoga Falls, Grove City has been a longtime participant in AMP’s safety programs. According to Badger, AMP safety programs have been a primary source of the city’s safety training.

“AMP has always been willing to help us out,” said Badger. “If we didn’t have AMP’s safety programs, it would be tough to have any kind of safety training.”

AMP members also have access to subscription-based monthly Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) compliance courses. Unlike the general safety programs and regional meetings, which are included with membership and geared primarily toward electric utility personnel, the OSHA programs are widespread depending on industry trends, demands and compliance topics that require coverage. Classes include bloodborne pathogens, fire extinguishers, and confined space entry and rescues. Through these courses, members can ensure they are adhering to industry standards and following appropriate safety protocols, as outlined by OSHA.

“I consider AMP safety programs an extension of our health and safety function,” said Henry. “I rely on AMP to deliver the message in a way that listeners can identify with, relate to and learn from so they can apply it to their own experience, whether on the job or off the job.”

Approximately 1,000 AMP member employees are trained monthly through AMP’s safety programs.

“At AMP, we place a high priority on member safety,” said Palmer, “We’re constantly working to keep our information and programs fresh and relevant.”

According to Palmer, member feedback plays a vital role in the development and implementation of new safety programs. AMP makes it a priority to keep presentations and classes up-to-date and interesting to member employees at all levels, focusing on innovative program development highlighting the latest industry safety information and developments.

“We recognize the importance of safety at every level in our member communities,” said Palmer. “We want to make sure we do our part to equip them with the knowledge to engage in daily work activities as safely as possible.”

For more information about AMP’s safety programs, please contact Palmer at [email protected].

AMP SAFETY PROGRAMS

General Safety Programs

• Accident Investigation & Root Cause Analysis
• American Safety & Health Institute CPR/AED Program
• American Safety & Health First Aid Program
• Arc Flash Awareness, Personal Protective Equipment, Rubber Goods
• Emergency Action Plans
• Lineworker Safety
• National Safety Council Flagger Training/Certification
• Pole Top & Bucket Rescue

OSHA Compliance Programs

• An Orientation/Introduction to OSHA & PERRP
• Bloodborne Pathogens
• Confined Space Entry & Rescues
• Emergency Action Plans
• Fire Extinguishers
• HAZWOPER/SPCC Plan
• Hearing Protection
• Lockout Tagout
• New GHS Hazard Communication
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Powered Industrial Trucks Certification
• Respirators
• Trenches and Excavation