Safety is a top priority at Roughrider Electric Cooperative, where each cooperative employee takes safety to heart and plays an important role. From daily “tailgates” or safety briefings before each job to monthly safety committee meetings and yearly safety audits, cooperative employees continue to embrace safety practices.
Each year, Roughrider Electric participates in a safety audit through N.D. Workforce Safety and Insurance (WSI). WSI offers a safety management program that benefits the whole cooperative, from operations to member services personnel. The program aims to help reduce workplace injuries and improve ergonomics and safety technology. Roughrider Electric uses the ergonomic grants toward equipment to reduce employee fatigue and help eliminate injuries.
Roughrider Electric has taken part in WSI’s safety incentive program for 13 years, saving the cooperative over $80,000. In addition, workplaces are eligible for up to a 25% discount on insurance by adhering to WSI’s safety management program. To be eligible for these discounts, Roughrider Electric reviews and meets annual goals set by Roughrider Electric’s Safety Committee. The Safety Committee, which includes employees from each department at the cooperative, meets every month.
Roughrider Electric also participates in the safety management program, Safety Committee program, drug-free workplace program and certified safety management systems. Yearly safety goals vary from performing a 360-degree check before moving trucks, being aware of surroundings when driving and using the proper tool for the task at hand.
The WSI program helps our cooperative employees continue to keep safety top of mind to deliver safe, reliable electric services to our communities, while also saving costs for our membership.