Rappahannock Electrical Cooperative Enforces Safety Accountability with KPA

Client Profile  

A Large Member-Owned Electric Utility in Virginia 

Rappahannock Electric Cooperative (REC) is a member-owned utility that provides electric service to connections in 22 Virginia counties, from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the tidal waters of Chesapeake Bay. It is one of the largest electric cooperatives in the country, with 450 employees–250 of whom work outdoors, operating some 300 vehicles (SUVs, trucks, bucket trucks, and trailers) across its service territory daily. 

Challenge  

Create a Culture of Accurate, Timely Safety and Incident Reporting 

REC needed to replace its outdated, paper-based reporting system, which was slow, cumbersome, and difficult to enforce, particularly among its 250 outdoor employees, who represent 90% of the company’s incident reporting. 

REC’s requirements included: 

• Create a culture of safety accountability among workers. 

• Ensure incident and safety forms are completed in a timely and accurate manner. 

• Streamline processes and workflows for 30+ paper forms. 

• Migrate to a digital system with an easy-to-manage interface for mobile employees, many of whom are unaccustomed to using digital tools. 

• Generate valuable data for trend analysis and reporting to the executive team. 

Solution  

A Comprehensive, Easy-to-Use System to Encourage Worker Accountability 

REC chose the KPA Flex software platform for several reasons: 

• Easy to implement 

• Easy for non-tech-savvy workers to use 

• Robust, intuitive mobile app to support their outdoor workforce 

• Excellent implementation support from KPA 

REC’s first thought was to go with a software provider they used for online trainings. However, that provider’s reporting system proved to be impractical to implement. 

“Too many IT people would have had to be involved constantly to get us what we needed.” 

“It would not have worked for our workforce out in the field,” Medved said. 

That opened the door for KPA’s platform.  

“KPA was simply easier to use.”  

Result  

Greater Safety Accountability and Better Visibility into Data 

REC has been rolling KPA out to its mobile workforce, and they already see quality results: 

• Reports from workers that KPA software is easy for them to use 

• Improved accountability for preventable vehicle incidents 

• Better management of safety equipment inspections 

• Ability to map data and reports to specific workers and vehicles 

• REC is considering adding KPA’s OSHA and Training Modules 

Greater Accountability for Incident Reporting: REC is already experiencing greater reporting accuracy and timeliness. The workforce’s acceptance of KPA has encouraged REC to develop additional reporting forms. They’ve had requests from two different departments in the company for new forms. 

Improved Management of Safety Equipment: KPA Flex makes it easy for REC to keep track of safety equipment, such as ladders, hard hats, and fire extinguishers. The REC team is considering adding QR codes to associate each vehicle’s safety equipment and inspection reports. 

Comprehensive Safety Trainings: REC’s experience with KPA makes them curious about KPA’s training module. With KPA, they’d have access to a comprehensive library of training. “Our current solution is very expensive. And it’s not customizable to the job location,” Medved said. 

OSHA Reporting: Medved said they will also be adding KPA’s OSHA Reporting to their safety program. “Right now, we are literally writing things in pencil on paper forms,” a team member said.  

“Utilizing KPA is going to save a lot of work.” 

Ultimately, KPA makes it easier for REC workers and supervisors to engage in a culture of safety, follow common procedures, track potential issues, and create a safe environment for all employees.