Umatilla Electric Cooperative (UEC) Safety and Security Administrator, Chris McMahon, has completed an intensive program in electric utility safety and loss control. The Certified Loss Control Program is a series of workshops offered by the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA) in conjunction with the National Utility Training & Safety Education Association. The program is designed to instruct participants in many areas related to electric utility industry safety.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, nearly 4 million injuries occur annually in the workplace. One of the goals of a Certified Loss Control Professional (CLCP) is to help ensure a safe work environment for utility workers and the public in general. Avoiding workplace accidents avoids down time and can ultimately help the utility control costs.
Chris McMahon is one of the few electric utility professionals in the country that will receive this certification this year. The program requires participants to complete a rigorous series of seminars and tests, a 30-hour OSHA course, and a detailed final course project.
Loss control participants go through four, week-long sessions that are designed to challenge and educate participants in new, innovative safety techniques. Participants must also maintain their certificate by attending courses every year in order to stay on top of changes in the industry.
“We are thrilled that Chris has invested the time and dedication to complete the CLCP program on behalf of the cooperative,” says Kevin Knutz, manager of operations. “We look forward to the countless ways Chris will use his knowledge to benefit our employees, and in turn, our membership.”
McMahon has been with the cooperative for four years and held many critical positions related to safety in the organization. Before joining the Umatilla Electric team, Chris was a law enforcement officer for over 20 years in the region.