PSO reaches year-long Zero Harm milestones

PSO employees traveled to assist with AEP Ohio service restoration efforts following the June 29, 2012, derecho storm. PSO employees completed 12 consecutive months of zero severity and the first calendar year with zero severity in 2012.

(Story by Tracy J. Harper)

All employees across Public Service Company of Oklahoma (PSO) reached a “personal best” for safety on August 18, 2012, as the company completed 12 consecutive months of zero severity for the first time in its nearly 100-year history. PSO also achieved in 2012 its first calendar year with zero severity, as well as marked 500 consecutive days of zero severity on December 31.

The most recent severity incident experienced by PSO was in August 2011. When one thinks back to the extreme temperatures employees have encountered since then, that safety performance becomes even more impressive.

Although summer 2012 was not quite as hot overall as 2011, the mercury still soared to record levels in July and August. PSO employees worked many days with temperatures hitting 105 to115 degrees. In fact, the heat was so extreme that PSO set a record peak demand of 4,419 MW on August 1, 2012.

Work groups took special measures to ensure safety during this time, with some departments adjusting schedules to allow employees to start their shifts earlier to avoid having to work outside in the hottest part of the day.

But the dog days of summer weren’t the only hazard employees encountered during the 500 days of Zero Harm, as they contended with everything from distracted drivers to aggressive dogs. Through it all, employees maintained a heightened sense of awareness and made staying safe their top priority.

“I’m so proud of this incredible accomplishment,” said Stuart Solomon, PSO president and chief operating officer. “For the first time in our 100-year history, PSO has gone an entire calendar year with Zero Harm, and I credit every PSO employee who worked so hard to make this happen, by making safety their first priority every day and on every job.

“We had a great year in 2012 in many ways, but this safety achievement of Zero Harm is the most important and the most meaningful for our employees and their co-workers, families, and friends.”

PSO’s Meter Revenue Operations (MRO) group has not incurred any severity days since December 2009. On December 20, 2012, MRO employees reached 14 consecutive months with zero OSHA recordable incidents.