Angela Walz, Public Affairs, 509-377-4010
Mike Paoli, Public Affairs, 509-377-4164
RICHLAND, Wash. – Energy Northwest earned the Association of Washington Business’ Workplace Safety Award today. Energy Northwest’s CEO Mark Reddemann, Safety Manager Ed Prilucik and Safety Committee Chairman Matt Harrington were on-hand during the AWB’s presentation of the award in Olympia, Wash.
The agency's safety recognition by AWB comes at a time when Columbia Generating Station, the agency's flagship energy resource, is generating more electricity than in the nuclear facility's operational history. In 2013 the facility generated 8.4 million MWh of electricity – a record for a refueling year, which occurs every two years – and in 2012 Columbia generated 9.3 million MWh, a record for a non-refueling year.
The AWB Better Workplace Awards honor member companies that demonstrate innovation in the areas of workplace safety, job training and advancement, and benefit and compensation programs. The 2014 awards recognize member businesses, both large and small, that go the extra mile in providing a family-friendly work environment, promoting safety and enabling employees to achieve their best.
Energy Northwest was highlighted for their remarkable milestone that was achieved in the fall: 10 million hours without a lost-time injury. “That level of safety is nearly impossible for a large public power utility to achieve, but this Richland-based electricity provider holds itself to a higher standard,” the award said.
The award also read: “’Safety First’ is its core value and its goal is ‘No Accidents, No Events.” The company believes all accidents and injuries are preventable, and tells employees that no work will be done unless it can be performed safely. Even near-misses are reported, and workers are expected to speak up about safety issues and coach co-workers. Thanks to this never-ending focus on working the right way, Energy Northwest safely powers more than a million homes each year with affordable, environmentally responsible electricity.”
“An award such as this is indicative of the high standards of excellence at Energy Northwest that are vital to safe and reliable operations,” said Charles England, Organizational Effectiveness manager at Energy Northwest at the time this milestone was surpassed. “At Energy Northwest we are proud of our safety record and have a strong workforce of employees who strive to ensure safe operations in every facet of their work every day.”
About the Association of Washington Business
Formed in 1904, the Association of Washington Business is Washington’s oldest and largest statewide business association, and includes more than 8,100 members representing 700,000 employees. AWB serves as both the state’s chamber of commerce and the manufacturing and technology association. While its membership includes major employers like Boeing, Microsoft and Weyerhaeuser, 90 percent of AWB members employ fewer than 100 people. More than half of AWB’s members employ fewer than 10.
About Energy Northwest
Energy Northwest develops, owns and operates a diverse mix of electricity generating resources, including hydro, solar and wind projects – and the Northwest’s only nuclear power plant. These projects provide enough reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible energy to power more than a million homes each year, and that carbon-free electricity is provided at the cost of generation. As a Washington state, not-for-profit joint operating agency, Energy Northwest comprises 27 public power member utilities from across the state serving more than 1.5 million ratepayers. The agency continually explores new generation projects to meet its members’ needs.
Energy Northwest – www.energy-northwest.com. Find us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
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