On Jan. 17, Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative’s headquarters department reached 17 years and nearly 1.2 million hours without a lost-time accident. The years span two Rockingham County locations, from the previous headquarters in Mount Crawford to a new facility that opened nearby in 2018.

“This is a very special accomplishment that is rewarded each and every day by the ability to go home to our loved ones and return to work the following day,” Vice President of Operations Tony Dean said. “We are very proud of everyone as it shows the caring and the team spirit for our safety program that they all have for each other.”

Several years ago, SVEC adopted the message of “Target Zero” to prevent accidents of any kind, anywhere.

“When employees see something hazardous, they take care of it, or stop others to make sure they are aware,” Dean said. “These are the types of things that happen in a safety culture like ours, eliminating not just lost-time injuries but all injuries and incidents.

“We are so proud of our employees for working safely to achieve this milestone.”

—Report by Preston Knight, Event & Communication Manager, Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative