SAFETY FIRST ...

Safety leadership and training were the focus of the recent Safety and Energy Conference, held in Springfield. The two-day event brought together electric cooperative professionals, safety leaders and industry partners for educational sessions, networking and recognition of outstanding safety performance.

The conference, which was held by the Association of Illinois Electric Cooperatives, covered a range of topics focused on leadership, safety and workplace culture, including personal influence and leadership, technical safety training, and the role of safety culture in the workplace.

Safety awards were also given, recognizing cooperatives for exemplary safety performance over the past year. Shelby Electric Cooperative (SEC) earned the 2025 Best Loss Time Rate Certificate of Achievement. The award is given to cooperatives with the lowest amount of lost work time due to workplace injuries, relative to the number of hours worked.

As the electric industry continues to evolve, safety remains a top priority. SEC will always be committed to a strong safety culture for both employees and cooperative members.

Accepting the safety certificate on behalf of SEC, pictured left to right, are Operations Assistant Amy Peters, Manager of HR and Compliance Diane Bunton, Construction Superintendent Brian Chevalier, and Line Foreman Blake Summers.