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November 11, 2019 NECA Honors L.E. Myers and Other MYR Group Subsidiaries for Safety Excellence

LEARNING AND RECOGNITION FROM NECA 

National electrical construction association
The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) is the voice of the $171 billion electrical construction industry that brings power, light, and communication technology to buildings and communities across the U.S.

On May 26, the National Electric Contractors Association (NECA) announced the winners of the 2019 Recognition of Safety Achievement Program. We’re pleased to announce that the Decatur, Ill. and Pasadena, Texas districts of The L.E. Myers Co. (L.E. Myers) were recognized for excellent safety performance in 2018. 

The same month, safety representatives from various MYR Group subsidiaries attended NECA’s 2019 Safety Professionals Conference, the electrical construction industry’s premier annual safety event. Attendees received the most up-to-date information on regulation, compliance, management techniques, and standards development that impact safety and health in our industry. 

MYR Group Regional Training Director Mike McClure presented the 2019 Electrical Transmission and Distribution (ET&D) Partnership Quarterly Refreshers and Continuing Education breakout session. As a founding member of the partnership, MYR Group representatives have been instrumental in working with industry stakeholders to improve safety for workers through the development and reinforcement of safety best practices for the line construction industry. 

Mike’s session sparked interest from non-members, highlighted the success of the partnership’s efforts to significantly reduce injury in the industry, and stressed compliance with continuing education for all members. 

“I always come away with great information to share with my group and a few new contacts as well,” said Jim Foley, MYR Group vice president of safety. “Although the sessions are geared more toward inside electrical related topics, they always have plenty for the outside folks and plan to expand the offerings for the line side,” he added.  

Harlan Electric Safety Manager Mike Lyons was a first-time attendee and was impressed with the variety of topics available. “I really enjoyed the sessions on identifying and preventing workplace violence and human performance, as well as seeing all the newest safety products displayed at the vendor forum.” 

district manager, Kenny Whipple
“I think safety starts at the top, with a culture that is hard to teach and train. We want to show our employees that we are here to teach it and preach it from the top all the way down.” 
Kenny Whipple 
Sturgeon Electric District Manager 
Las Vegas, NV 

Sturgeon Electric Las Vegas Safety Manager Kodi Green and District Manager Kenny Whipple were impressed with the guest speakers various learning opportunities to sharpen their occupational safety and health knowledge.  

“The opportunity to learn from the industry’s top experts and share how we can make our operations safer, more efficient, and more profitable is priceless,” said Green. “Learning about important topics such as NFPA changes and how human behavior impacts risk and safety culture was especially valuable to me. We’ve already begun communicating information and implementing new ideas learned at the conference with our crews.” 

A Visit from NECA Executives 

As a result of discussions at the conference, NECA CEO David Long became interested in the energized work training program we provide employees since there are numerous “no hot work” policies currently in effect among customers and potential clients. Along with Mr. Long, we invited NECA President and COO of Rosendin Electric Larry Beltramo and NECA Safety Director Wes Wheeler to visit Denver and learn more about the program. Kenny Whipple and Sturgeon Electric District Manager Bryce Perkins and Regional Safety Manager Zach Valdez assisted with the meeting. The meeting was a success, and we are planning to teach a breakout class on energized work at next year’s convention to be held in Scottsdale, Ariz.