Ocala Electric Utility was among 14 public power utilities in the state to receive a Florida Municipal Electric Association (FMEA) Safety Award, which recognizes utilities’ commitment to safety.
The award was presented at the Florida Lineman Competition awards banquet that was recently held in Jacksonville.
Linework is considered one of the top 10 most dangerous jobs. In order to provide reliable power, Florida lineworkers and power crews are frequently engaged in dangerous work that can place them at risk of serious or fatal injuries.
This is why public power utilities place a significant emphasis on safety and training.
FMEA recognizes and rewards safe operations through its annual Safety Awards. Utilities are placed into categories based on their total worker hours, and they are rewarded for the most incident-free records.
According to the City of Ocala, the incidence rate used to judge utilities was based on the number of work-related reportable injuries or illnesses compared to the total number of worker hours during 2023, as defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Ocala Electric Utility (OEU) received third place in Category B with other similar-sized utilities.
“OEU staff is committed to providing safe, reliable power to our customers,” stated Glen Moehling, Utility Safety and Training Coordinator. “Fostering a culture of safety in the workforce involves creating an environment where safety is not just a priority, but an integral part of everyday operations and mindset. Our team is proud to have this safety conscience mindset.”
Florida’s public power utilities are locally owned, controlled, and operated, enabling them to quickly respond to the needs of their communities. They are also among some of the most reliable power providers in the state.
For more information, visit Ocala Electric Utility’s website or Facebook page.