October 18, 2019

Meterman Leader Mike Peatee often reminds his coworkers at Toledo Edison’s Holland A Service Center to follow his useful acronym – BWYA.

“It stands for be where you are,” explained Mike. “It means be in the present moment – literally and physically – with your mind and body. When you’re working, you can’t think about what you’re having for lunch or your weekend plans. You must focus on completing tasks safely and looking out for your coworkers.”

Following this advice has helped Holland A’s 104 employees achieve one year without incurring an Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)-recordable injury. Rich Sweeney, regional president, Toledo Edison, recently presented the facility’s employees with the President’s Safety Excellence Award during a lunch celebration.

“It’s always nice to gather together to celebrate significant accomplishments,” said Rich. “I’d like to recognize and thank all of our Holland A employees for performing their work the right way and achieving this safety goal.”

Since the tasks our field workers perform can be repetitive, Mike added it’s even more important that they stay focused and not go into “autopilot.”

“Our employees often are asked to perform the same tasks at different locations,” he said. “They still must be aware of their surroundings and watch out for safety hazards like damaged equipment and dangerous walking conditions. In other words, stay focused and be where you are at all times.”

Rich Sweeney (c.) presents the President’s Safety Excellence Award to Transmission Line Leader Joe Schwiefert (l) and Mike Peatee.

Bargaining-unit employees at Holland A are represented by the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 245 and Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU) Local 19.