GEUS wins national award for safe work practices – Herald-Banner

GEUS Recognized for Excellence in Safety Practices

Overview of the Award

On Monday, Greenville’s municipally owned utility company, GEUS, announced that its team received the American Public Power Association’s (APPA) Safety Award of Excellence for 2024. Additionally, GEUS was honored with APPA’s Diamond Award, highlighting its outstanding commitment to safe operating practices.

Significance of the Award

The APPA Safety Award of Excellence is a prestigious recognition given to utility companies demonstrating exemplary safety records. In 2024, more than 200 utilities nationwide participated in the annual contest. Entrants were categorized based on the number of worker-hours and evaluated according to:

• The most incident-free records
• The overall state of their safety programs
• The safety culture within their organizations

Evaluation Criteria

The incidence rate used for ranking is calculated based on the number of work-related reportable injuries or illnesses relative to the number of worker-hours during the reporting year. This calculation follows the standards defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

GEUS’s commitment to maintaining a safe working environment directly supports SDG 3 by promoting the health and well-being of its employees. By minimizing workplace injuries and illnesses, the company contributes to ensuring healthy lives and fostering safe working conditions.

SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

The recognition of GEUS’s safety culture aligns with SDG 8, which emphasizes the promotion of sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all. GEUS’s safety programs enhance workforce productivity and job satisfaction through risk reduction and proactive safety management.

SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

By implementing innovative safety practices and maintaining robust infrastructure standards, GEUS supports SDG 9. The company’s achievements demonstrate leadership in building resilient infrastructure and fostering innovation in utility operations.

Conclusion

GEUS’s receipt of the APPA Safety Award of Excellence and Diamond Award in 2024 exemplifies its dedication to sustainable and safe utility operations. These achievements not only highlight superior safety performance but also contribute significantly to advancing multiple Sustainable Development Goals, particularly those related to health, decent work, and infrastructure development.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – The article highlights workplace safety and the reduction of work-related injuries and illnesses, which directly relates to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all workers.
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth – The focus on safe operating practices and recognition of safety programs in a utility company aligns with promoting sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work conditions.

2. Specific Targets Under the Identified SDGs

1. SDG 3 Target 3.9: “By 2030, substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.” The article’s emphasis on reducing work-related injuries and illnesses through safety programs relates to this target.
2. SDG 8 Target 8.8: “Protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers, including migrant workers, particularly women migrants, and those in precarious employment.” The article’s focus on safety awards and incident-free records directly supports this target.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Incidence Rate of Work-Related Reportable Injuries or Illnesses: The article mentions that the incidence rate is calculated based on the number of work-related reportable injuries or illnesses per number of worker-hours, as defined by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). This is an indicator used to measure workplace safety and health performance.
2. Number of Worker-Hours: Used as a denominator in calculating incidence rates, indicating exposure and enabling normalization of injury data.
3. Recognition through Safety Awards: While not an official SDG indicator, the receipt of awards such as the American Public Power Association’s Safety Award of Excellence and Diamond Award implies achievement in safety culture and practices, serving as qualitative indicators of progress.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: heraldbanner.com