May 2017_CEO Newsletter

CEO’s
Corner
GRAND VALLEY POWER ú EMPOWERING LIVES WITH HOMETOWN SERVICE MAY 2017
Committing to a Culture of Safety
by Tom Walch | CEO
Eighteen months ago I assumed a new and important
role: I became “grandfather,” or as he calls
me, “Pop-Pop,” to Anthony, my first grandson. As I
watch him grow and see all the potential trouble he
can get himself into to, I have a renewed appreciation
for how important it is for us to teach our children
about safety from an early age. It is natural and
instinctive for us to protect ourselves and those we
care about. Unfortunately, when it comes to safety
issues, it is also natural for complacency to creep in.
It requires a conscious effort and commitment to
stay safe. We need to reinforce this commitment
from time to time. That’s why each May we commemorate
the National Electrical Safety Month, to
raise awareness about critical electric safety.
To combat increasing accidents, the vast
majority of electric co-ops nationwide instituted a
campaign called a “Culture of Safety” designed by
our cooperative-owned insurance company,
Federated Rural Electric Insurance Exchange. The
campaign was created to foster a greater awareness
about safety issues at all electric co-ops. According
to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor
Statistics, there were 26 fatal work injuries reported
in 2015 for electric power line installers and repair
personnel. In addition, about 7,500 non-fatal injuries
were reported in that year for electric power
generation and electric power transmission, control,
and distribution workers. Outside of line work, there
are many other tasks performed by GVP team
members that impose significant occupational risk.
We drive thousands of miles every year, often in
adverse weather conditions. We work around
dangerous chemicals. We use heavy equipment,
and do a lot of heavy lifting. There is always the
prospect for repetitive stress injuries, and slips trips
and falls, in the field and in the office.
When Grand Valley Power team members sat
down a few months ago to identify the fundamental
principles that guide our organization, safety was at
the top of the list. Our board of directors, management
team and front line employees all embraced
the statement that “We are dedicated to the safety
of our workforce and the general public.” But we
have to do more than say it. We have to live it.
That’s what a culture of safety is. We must provide
the tools and resources that enable our team members
to get the job done safely. We must train each

other and communicate constantly about all safety
issues. We all have a role. Whether we’re budgeting,
planning or working to restore a power
outage, we cannot cut corners.
this is part of the “hometown service” that makes
Grand Valley Power special.
The success of the “Culture of Safety”
program demonstrates a very important
point. If we are intentional about
our actions, we can indeed change the
culture in our organizations. The same is
true for our families, our teams and any
groups to which we belong. As a member,
you too have a role. Anyone who
sees a potentially dangerous situation or
practice relating to Grand Valley Power
and its electric distribution system,
should report it to us as soon as possible.
Just pick up the phone and call us
at 970-242-0040 and we’ll make sure
the concern is addressed. As I see it,
Grand Junction is hosting the Junior College (JUCO) Baseball World Series, which is celebrating it's
60th anniversary in 2017! This week long tournament, which begins on Memorial Day Weekend, always
draws amazing young baseball players full of talent, commitment and enthusiasm. Players, coaches
and fans are swept up in thrilling moments of America’s favorite pastime. For tournament details, ticket
information and player profiles please visit the JUCO website.

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