POWERGRAMS

TARGET ZERO Southeast Storeroom Operations safe on the roadways for 20 years Derrione Norwood, Wayne Shadell, Harold Towns, Thurman, Vicki Sanders, Craig Singletary, Felisha Foley, James Morgan, Royzell Wilson and Bill Deloney. Staying focused. That's Southeast Division Storeroom Operations employees' secret behind their spotless driving record. On Sept. 8, the organization's 10 employees reached a significant marker – 20 years without a preventable vehicle accident. "That record is fabulous. It shows our folks are paying attention as they drive, and dealing with whatever comes up," said Area Inventory Manager Scott Thurman. These employees are responsible for ordering, maintaining and issuing the inventory for Southeast Division Materialman Tony Connell operates a Power Delivery. As part forklift in Ozark. of that job, they are on the road almost every day, driving between company warehouses in Ozark, Eufaula, Phenix City, Enterprise, Headland and Valley. Although their territory primarily covers Southeast Division, the employees deliver materials throughout the state following tornadoes and other storms. They have driven to other parts of Southern Company's service territory to assist sister companies during storm restoration efforts. Thurman said the group's track record is due to its strong safety program. "We have monthly conference calls where we talk about everything from close calls to how many times we've been cut off in traffic," said Thurman. "Our safety committee also puts on presentations about driving safety, back injury prevention and forklift operations – the three topics that most pertain to our job – at our safety meetings." One employee experienced a close call, which the group shared with Storeroom Operations co-workers in the other divisions as a way of passing on best practices. While traveling back to work after a safety meeting, the employee noticed a driver in front of him pulling a homemade utility trailer. As they approached a construction zone, the trailer began bouncing on the rough road, causing a lawn mower to fly off in front of the company vehicle. The employee, said Thurman, avoided an accident because he was driving far enough behind to brake when the mower bounced off the trailer. Southeast Division Storeroom Operations celebrated another safety record last summer, passing nine years without a recordable injury. "Our safety record is due to employees' focus, first of all. And secondly, we believe in being our brother's and sister's keeper," Thurman said. "Our employees try to be aware of their surroundings and are ready to take action when they need to." Storeroom Operations Manager Coy Fredd, Corporate Headquarters, praised the employees for their remarkable driving record. "This day and age, with so many driving distractions, one must be truly focused when operating a vehicle," said Fredd. "I really appreciate the Southeast group's commitment to safety and congratulate them on this outstanding accomplishment." By Carla Davis 3

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