Safety Milestone Reached

Randy Thoms May 30, 2019 2:12 pm Last Updated on May 30, 2019 2:12 pm

Another milestone for the Fort Frances Power Corporation.

Employees have worked 150-thousand consecutive hours without a workplace accident.

Chief Executive Officer Jorge Ruppenstein says it’s a safety record that stretches 11 straight years.

We can’t take safety for granted we work in a very unforgiving environment where a single mistake can be fatal. I’m just so proud, so honored to be a part of hitting this great milestone,” says Ruppenstein.

Employees were recognized for achieving the safety mark in a ceremony Tuesday.

Ruppenstein says the accomplishment is quite astounding given the nature of the work their employees must do.

“We’ve got a great safety culture throughout our entire organization and we really believe that our keys to success are we need good training, we need good people, continued education,” says Ruppenstein.

Ruppenstein adds they also provide employees with the best tools available to ensure they return home safe after each work day.

FFPC employees reached the 100,000 mark two years ago.

Staff also honoured one of their lineman for completing an apprenticeship program with the Utility.

Brian Wright recently finished up the four-year program.

Brian Wright (far right) with FFPC Chair Larry Cousineau and CEO Jorge Ruppenstein

Ruppenstein says all five of their linemen started in the same fashion.

“(They) completed their apprenticeship through us and have worked their way towards the red seal designation which is the highest journeymen linemen designation that you can get.”

Author

Randy Thoms

Randy Thoms is a veteran news broadcaster with over 40 years' experience. He is based in Fort Frances and covers stories across northwestern Ontario. Contact Randy at thoms.randy@radioabl.ca.