United Cooperative Services recently received safety accreditation after an intensive review by the Rural Electric Safety Accreditation Program (RESAP), sponsored by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). 

“The safety of our members and our employees is our top priority,” said United’s General Manager/CEO Ray Beavers.  “We want our members to be aware of the hazards of power lines and the dangers associated with electricity.  We also want our employees to return home safe and sound to their families at the end of every workday.” 

RESAP is an organized analysis of a cooperative’s safety and loss control program that measures its overall effectiveness.  The purpose of the RESAP is to inform and promote safety and loss control, preserve lives, prevent injury and help reduce the escalating costs associated with preventable injuries and/or death.  RESAP standards exceed the minimum compliance standards of OSHA, DHEC and the Department of Transportation.

“Many hours were spent to achieve this accreditation; it is a very high honor and speaks well of our staff, our programs and our commitment to a safe work environment,” said Warren Stanley, safety director.  “Everybody at the cooperative helps with the process.  Our employees maintain compliance with safety regulations, which makes it a lot easier to achieve accreditation and to complete the long accreditation process.”

The accreditation process, which is based on a three-year review period, has three parts.  Each cooperative must compile and submit an application, representing a collaborative record of its safety policies and procedures.  Then, a statewide organization conducts an on-site field observation to evaluate the physical aspects of the cooperative.  Last, the RESAP Committee reviews and grades the applications.

“There are many benefits to being accredited,” said Barry McWilliams, chief operating officer.  “Not only can we be assured our cooperative is operating as safely as possible, accreditation saves the cooperative, and therefore its members, annually on insurance premiums.  But, most importantly, staying in compliance with RESAP regulations helps prevent accidents.” 

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