TOWN OF BERLIN ELECTRIC UTILITY DEPARTMENT RECEIVES NATIONAL SAFETY AWARD

Berlin, MD - The Town of Berlin Electric Utility Department has been honored with the prestigious Safety Award of Excellence from the American Public Power Association (APPA) for its outstanding safety practices implemented in 2024. The utility was granted the Gold Designation award in the category for utilities with 15,000 to 29,999 worker hours of annual exposure.

The APPA's Safety Awards take place annually to recognize utilities demonstrating an exceptional commitment to safety. This year, more than 200 utilities across the nation participated, representing a variety of communities. Submissions were categorized by worker hours and evaluated based on incident-free records, along with the quality of their safety programs and culture. Key metrics, including rates of work-related injuries and illnesses, were assessed according to the guidelines of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

"Maintaining a strong safety culture has always been a priority for us," stated Mary Bohlen, Town Administrator. "This award showcases the dedication and hard work of our team to ensure a safe working environment for everyone."

Jon Beasley, Chair of the APPA Safety Committee and Vice-President of Electric Cities of Georgia, emphasized the importance of safety in utility operations. "The work of powering our communities is critical but inherently risky. This award celebrates those who uphold the highest safety standards, prioritizing the well-being of both personnel and the public," Beasley commented.

The APPA has been presenting the Safety Awards for over 66 years, serving as a key benchmark for safety performance in the electric utility industry. Representing not-for-profit, community-owned utilities, the APPA advocates for approximately 2,000 towns and cities across the United States.