At WIN Energy REMC, safety is our top priority. Every month, our line workers take part in safety training, and there are other trainings sprinkled in throughout the year that include our office staff. Most recently, our employees took part in RESAP training.

RESAP stands for Rural Electric Safety Achievement Program. This program is offered to all electric cooperatives and is a continuous improvement model to strengthen the safety culture in the co-op. As a participant in the RESAP program, WIN Energy REMC goes through an assessment, evaluation, and benchmarking tools to encourage a safer workplace. During our recent training, employees learned that after a safety evaluation of the cooperative, management decides on three areas to improve in the next three years, and then the cycle starts over again. There are a total of 21 categories that are evaluated. These categories range from office safety to safety in the field.

While RESAP is not required for electric cooperatives, I am proud that we participate in this program, as do the rest of our co-op friends throughout the state. Our employees put their lives at risk every day to keep the lights on. Maintaining a safe work environment is not only essential, but it is part of our core values.

In February, all employees took part in CPR and First Aid training. This training takes place every two years for our employees, both line workers and office employees. Outside employees do a refresher course on the off year. While CPR and First Aid are great skills to know while on the job, it’s also great to know at home and while out in the community. Providing this training for our staff is not only a benefit to us at WIN Energy REMC, but to our employees and community as a whole. I think that’s a “win” for everyone!