Utility line work is consistently ranked as one of the country’s top 10  most dangerous professions by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Lineworkers risk electrocution, falls, burns and other injuries in all weather conditions as part of their daily efforts to ensure the delivery of reliable and affordable power. For this reason, public power communities across the state emphasize the importance of safety training and safety precautions.

          For three decades, FMEA has recognized Florida public power utilities’ efforts to ensure crew safety is the highest priority. Member utilities are placed into categories based on total man-hours worked and rewarded for the most incident-free records. The incidence ratio used to judge utilities is based on the number of work-related reportable injuries or illnesses compared to the total number of worker-hours during 2020, as defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

          “Linework is an incredibly rewarding profession, but it is also a very risky one that could result in serious injuries and fatalities. That is why utilities must make safety their top priority,” said Amy Zubaly, FMEA Executive Director. “Congratulations to Leesburg Electric for its commitment to worker safety and being among the 21 public power communities recognized this year.”

          For 2020, Leesburg Electric received third place in Category B (60,000 to 199,999 man-hours).

           “Building a culture of safety is the responsibility of everyone. It goes well beyond the monthly safety meetings, daily job briefings and wearing of the appropriate protective equipment for the Department,” said Electric Director Brad Chase. “At the City of Leesburg, it’s ingrained into everything we do. Each employee is responsible for their own safety, the safety of their fellow employees and the safety of the general public.”

          Florida’s public power utilities are locally owned, locally controlled and locally operated, enabling them to quickly respond to the needs of their communities. They are also among some of the most affordable and reliable power providers in the state.