After winning 5th straight safety award, LREC stays vigilant
by Josh P. Crotzer
Little River Electric employees receive the President’s Safety Award from Mike Couick (far right), CEO of The Electric Cooperatives of South Carolina, and Peggy Dantzler (far left), ECSC’s VP of Loss Control and Training.
When it’s been more than five years without a serious accident, it may seem impossible for Little River Electric Cooperative to be any safer. But Josh Strickland, the co-op’s manager of safety and loss control, doesn’t see it that way.
In 2024, the co-op achieved its fifth consecutive President’s Safety Award. The annual award is given to electric cooperatives in South Carolina with the fewest recordable accidents, those that require more than basic first aid. This year, Strickland is introducing a new initiative: weekly safety meetings led by rotating crew members.
“They’re the ones seeing potential hazards every day, so they choose the topics they believe are most relevant,” says Strickland. “It ensures everyone has ownership in keeping each other safe.”
Strickland sees the new meetings as a critical next step in maintaining the cooperative’s impressive record.
“If someone experiences a near-miss, that’s the perfect time to discuss it,” Strickland says. “It alerts everyone to potential risks and reinforces safe practices.”
Little River Electric’s streak without a recordable accident was tested last fall when Hurricane Helene devastated the area, including the co-op’s electrical delivery system. Helene’s destructive winds broke nearly 400 poles, destroyed equipment and put 96% of the membership in the dark. For 16 consecutive days, crews worked intense shifts—some lasting 18 hours—to restore power.
“It was pretty trying times for everybody here and for all the folks from other co-ops who came to help us,” Strickland says. “We were tired, certainly, but everyone stayed committed to doing the job safely.”
Strickland attributes the cooperative’s achievements to a deeply ingrained culture emphasizing vigilance and mentorship.
“The older guys have seen what can happen, so safety is a priority they impress upon the younger workers every day,” he says. “They make sure they are always aware of the dangers and how to do things the right way.”
The cooperative’s small size and its employees’ strong personal connections with one another are also a benefit.
“You’re not going to hold someone accountable just because they are a coworker. That’s your friend,” Strickland notes. “We’re not just thinking about the crew; we’re thinking about this guy’s family.”
All Little River Electric employees, not just field crews, participate in maintaining a safe environment. In the Abbeville office, they are encouraged to remain alert and proactive about identifying potential hazards in their work environment. Regular communication across departments ensures safety remains a collective responsibility.
“Winning this award isn’t about any single individual,” Strickland emphasizes. “It truly is a group effort. One lapse could mean someone can get hurt, so we always stay focused and try to be better.”
We want you to be safe, too
Following experiences from Hurricane Helene, Safety and Loss Control Manager Josh Strickland recommends members follow these guidelines:
- Never approach or touch fallen utility lines, as they may still be energized.
- Immediately report all downed lines to Little River Electric at (800) 366-2141 or call 911.
- Keep a safe distance from substations, transformers and other electrical equipment.
- Always call 811 before digging to avoid underground utility hazards.
