POWERGRAMS

7 "Safety is No. 1 on our agenda." Tom Browne believes it's that mindset that is the secret behind Fleet Services' year-long safety record. The group completed 365 days without a recordable injury and was recognized with one of Alabama Power's highest safety honors – the Target Zero Silver Award. "Fleet has developed a culture of safety," said Browne, Fleet Services manager. "Our employees understand that from Chairman, President and CEO Mark Crosswhite down to the newest utility assistant, anyone has the ability to call timeout and say, 'Let's look at this situation and make sure we're all on the same page.' In the past, senior employees were the only ones who would make that call. We've changed the culture to say that everybody has an equal stake in safety." Joshua Bergeron, Fleet Services regulatory compliance analyst, General Services Complex, agrees that employees' constant focus on safety has helped them reach Target Zero. "Employees don't get in a hurry. They take their time and make sure they do the job right," he said. "They also share information about potential hazards and take initiative to improve processes to make the job safer." For instance, last year Fleet Services began using torque multipliers – mechanical devices that apply added force, thus decreasing the amount of pressure needed to twist or turn bolts or screws. This device helps eliminate strain, which can lead to injuries, Bergeron said. With the start of a new year, the Fleet Services Safety Committee is looking for ways to improve job safety. They are planning to set up work platforms that can be used by employees who work aloft to service booms, derricks or bucket trucks. "If there's something that's needed to make the job safer, I believe we should get it," said Mike McMahon, utility fleet subforeman at the Gadsden Garage and chairman of the Fleet Services Safety Committee. "When I get a safety short emailed to me from Safety and Health, I pull employees aside and have an impromptu tailgate meeting right then so we can discuss it." Fleet Services has 211 employees working at 14 garages in the six divisions. Employees perform preventive maintenance and make repairs on all company vehicles and equipment, including cars, pickup trucks, derrick and bucket trucks, light trailers, cranes and even string trimmers and lawn mowers. Employees can get their personal cars and trucks serviced at the Corporate Headquarters Garage. "If it has a motor on it, we take care of it," Bergeron said. In January, celebrations at the Mobile, Montgomery and 12th Street Crew headquarters and the GSC gave employees the opportunity to mark their safety achievement. As part of the festivities, Star Awards were presented to each group that worked a year without a recordable injury or preventable vehicle accident. Two groups were praised for achieving a perfect safety record year after year. Employees in the crane group have worked without a recordable injury since 1998. The Anniston/Gadsden Garage has stayed on track, achieving Target Zero for 10 years. "We've proven that Target Zero is possible," Browne told employees. "We just need to build on that by continuing to emphasize safety every day. Don't let the routine become routine." By Carla Davis Sterling Silver TARGET ZERO Montgomery employees gathered to celebrate safety accomplishment. FLEET SERVICES' SAFET Y RECORD SERVES AS SHINING EX A MPLE

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