The Davey crews on the Duke Energy account have an exceptional safety record. There has been a dramatic turnaround in this region, and the fact that a local workgroup has not had an accident in nearly four years is much more than mere luck. It's part of their value system, and starts before they ever reach the job site. Alan Wyatt, a general foreman on the account, thinks it is critical to maintain a focus on safety every single day. He tracks the number of days since the last accident occurred and stresses that number to crews each morning before they head to work in the rugged terrain near Sylva, N.C. Having a reference point gives crews something to be proud of and motivates them to extend the count. It also ensures that safety is on their minds, Wyatt said. They have a job briefing each morning during which they discuss safety procedures and potential hazards at each job site. Wyatt believes working safely requires the focus of the entire group. "Everyone needs to look out for each other, it's a team effort." Duke Energy serves approximately 3.8 million customers, including more than 2 million in the Carolinas alone. They operate 11 hydroelectric plants in six counties in the mountainous region of western North Carolina, providing power to approximately 65,000 customers. The rugged terrain of the south Appalachians provides reason enough for making sure safety is top of mind. The crews need to know what hazards they will face on each job site, which, according to Wyatt, means focusing on everything from trips and falls to dangerous wildlife, such as Copperhead snakes. Employees must know emergency procedures inside and out, and carry the emergency rescue bag with them to even the most remote locations.

Davey account manager Steve Clawson thinks communication is the key to preventing accidents. When an incident occurs, regardless of whether it's in the Davey system, he talks with his foremen about why the accident happened and what could have been done to prevent it. "We've been successful over the last several years because of our no-tolerance policy," Clawson said. "We will not compromise on safety, and every employee, regardless of position or service time, needs to understand that," Clawson continued. "When everyone is focused on safety, and you get people talking about safety, results will follow. I would tell a new employee to focus on excellence, and part of that is bringing a passion for safety with you on the job everyday, work safe and go home safe. At the end of the day, though, it's up to each of us to look at the person in the mirror and make a commitment to being safe."